Lower limits for certain heavy metals, replacing old lead pipes and testing for more pollutants: In Germany, stricter rules for drinking water from the tap will come into force on Saturday (24 June).
The Federal Environment Agency (UBA) in Dessau announced that the amendment to the Drinking Water Ordinance thus implements important European requirements for drinking water protection. She ensures that the water can continue to be used without hesitation and without any health risks.
Eternity Chemicals PFAS
Among other things, the new regulation states that old lead pipes must be replaced or decommissioned by January 2026. In Germany, however, water pipes made of lead are hardly a problem anymore. In addition, limit values for the heavy metals chromium, arsenic and lead would be lowered. According to the Federal Environment Agency, drinking water will also be tested for the industrial chemical group of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) in the future.
The group of chemicals includes an estimated more than 10,000 individual substances that are processed in everyday products such as anoraks, pans and cosmetics. They are also used in industrial processes. Because they are extremely persistent, PFAS are also called perpetuity chemicals. There are efforts, including by Uba, to largely ban the group of chemicals at EU level.
Even before the revision of the Drinking Water Ordinance, tap water was considered a very safe food in Germany. Consumer advocates explicitly advise drinking water from the tap, also because it is very cheap and climate-friendly compared to bottled water.
