Contaminants in Drinking Water?

There are many contaminants in drinking water, even though the water should actually be clean. The following article shows whether you can drink tap water.

✪ On average, Swiss people consume about 170 liters of water per day, which is used not only for washing, showering, and cooking but also as drinking water. Hardly anyone considers that there may be contaminants in the water that can affect health. Even though it should be clean and safe, bacteria, lead, pesticides, and microplastics are frequently found in tap water.

What Contaminants Are Found in Drinking Water?

Ideally, drinking water should be hygienically clean. In reality, contaminants are often found in tap water. Contamination levels vary by region, but many sources have detected not only bacteria, lead, and pesticides.

The Most Common Tap Water Contaminants Include:

• Metals from old pipes (lead, copper, aluminum)
• Germs (e.g., Legionella)
• Nitrate
• Pesticides from over-fertilization
• Residues of medications disposed of via toilets

✪ One main cause of contamination is old, corroded pipes that release substances into the water.

✪ Another factor is rarely used water lines, where bacteria can build up. It's recommended to let the water run briefly before using it.

How Do Contaminants Enter Tap Water?

Since most tap water in Switzerland comes from groundwater, it can become contaminated in several ways:

1. Old pipes: Corrosion releases copper, zinc, iron, and lead.
2. Groundwater contamination: Over-fertilization increases nitrate and pesticide levels. Filtering helps but isn't always enough.
3. Personal care: Microplastics and nanoparticles from cosmetics and hygiene products end up in the water.
4. Detergents: Pollutants from washing agents enter the water cycle via wastewater.
5. Standing water: Infrequently used taps lead to microbial growth.

Can I Safely Drink Tap Water?

Yes – as long as limit values are not exceeded. Switzerland’s drinking water is generally high quality, and groundwater and spring water are carefully treated using:

• UV disinfection (ozonation)
• Quartz sand
• Activated carbon
• Chlorine dioxide

In cases of minor contamination, ozonation alone is often enough to kill bacteria and germs.

What Are Your Options as a Consumer?

You don’t have to tolerate contamination in your tap water. With so many possible causes, it makes sense to request a professional water analysis. If contamination is detected, a filtration system may be worthwhile.

• The water test takes only minutes.
• Requires only a small sample.
• Lab tests can detect germs, heavy metals, pesticides.
• Suitable for tap and well water.
• Clear, understandable results.
• Affordable and good for your health.
• Alternatively, a quick test without a lab is also available.

Conclusion: Pesticides and Lead May Be Present in Tap Water

Even with proper filtration, contamination or limit exceedances can occur. If you want to be sure, have your water tested in a lab and consider installing a filtration system.