Water is considered to be the most important food of all. However, tap and mineral water is influenced by the quality of the groundwater. On average, Germany has really good groundwater and therefore very good tap and mineral water. However, the German government’s current nitrate report on German groundwater to the EU Commission is repeatedly causing some regional concerns. Excessive nitrate levels are the reason for this.

Nitrate measurements in groundwater

The limit values for nitrate are measured at individual measuring points throughout Germany. According to the most recent study, excessive nitrate levels were found at 26.7 percent of these measuring points. The legally stipulated limit values for nitrate were therefore exceeded. If too much nitrate is ingested, it can damage the health of the human body. The nitrate enters the groundwater via fertilizers used in conventional agriculture. Via the groundwater, it can in turn get into the tap water and also into the springs for the mineral water.

Nitrate and phosphorus pollution

Overall, the nitrate contamination of groundwater in Germany is still considered too high. Groundwater contamination with the fertilizer has been known for some time. There are also increased phosphorus levels. Phosphorus promotes the growth of algae. This is particularly evident in agricultural regions on the Baltic and North Seas. This consequence has also been observed in the vicinity of other bodies of water, such as rivers and lakes. Phosphorus is harmful to health in high doses. However, there is a decreasing trend at around 88 % of the 256 monitoring sites in the LAWA monitoring network. 

Fertilization in agriculture

The Federal Environment Ministry sees conventional agriculture as the main cause of the increased levels of undesirable minerals in groundwater. Fertilizers, such as various artificial fertilizers, but also liquid manure, would lead to this problem. The Fertilizer Ordinance was amended in 2017. The amendment introduced new regulations that will lead to a significant reduction in nutrient inputs into water bodies in the medium term.

The amendment to the Fertilizer Ordinance also came into force on 1 May 2020. The long-term goal is to effectively reduce nitrate inputs in water bodies. In contrast, organic farming would be a good alternative, as it leads to less pollution, as no artificial fertilizers are permitted here.

Restriction of biodiversity

Fertilizers with nitrates are used so that the plants, i.e. vegetables and cereals, can grow faster in the fields   . If plants grow faster, this naturally has advantages for the farm. Not every conventional farmer uses vast quantities of artificial fertilizers.

However, if the use of nitrates is excessive, this leads to water pollution in groundwater, but also in standing or flowing waters in the surrounding area. This also reduces the biodiversity. Some plants and animals can no longer survive in a habitat that is heavily contaminated with nitrate.

Water advice for your health: Drinking water is healthy at any age. However, if the drinking water has a concentration of more than 50 mg nitrate per liter of water, it can have a significant impact on human health. Pregnant women and families with small children in particular should find out about the nitrate levels in their region.

Bildquelle: Mark Stebnicki von Pexels