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 thinks that there may be contaminants in drinking water that can affect health. Even though tap water should be clean and safe for daily consumption, bacteria are repeatedly found in tap water. Even lead, pesticides, and microplastics are not uncommon in drinking water.

What Contaminants Are in Drinking Water?

Actually, our drinking water should be hygienically clean. Unfortunately, reality looks different, as contaminants are often found in tap water. The level of contamination can vary by region, but many sources have found not only bacteria and lead in drinking water but also pesticides.

The Most Common Contaminants in Tap Water Include:

• Metals from old pipes (lead, copper, aluminum)
• Germs (such as Legionella)
• Nitrate
• Pesticides due to over-fertilization
• Medication residues that are "disposed of" in the toilet

✪ The main cause of contaminated drinking water can be old and corroded water pipes, which can release contaminants into tap water.

✪ Another cause can be unused or infrequently used water pipes, where bacteria can quickly form in tap water. For this reason, you should let the water run before use to reduce potential contamination.

How Do Contaminants Get into Tap Water?

Many consumers wonder how contaminants can get into tap water. Since much of the drinking water comes from groundwater, contaminants can enter tap water in many ways. Read on to see what potential sources of contamination exist.

1. Old pipes: Outdated pipes can release copper, zinc, iron, and lead into drinking water due to corrosion.
2. Contaminants in groundwater: Over-fertilization can increase the levels of nitrate and pesticides in groundwater. Although water is filtered, pesticides can still enter tap water.
3. Personal hygiene: Daily, large amounts of microplastics and nanoparticles from the use of cosmetic and personal care products enter drinking water.
4. Detergents: The use of detergents and fabric softeners also contributes to the pollution of drinking water. Contaminants can enter the water cycle through wastewater.
5. Faucets: Increased germ load due to "standing water" when water pipes are rarely used.

Can I Drink Tap Water Without Concern?

Tap water should be safe to drink as long as the limit values are not exceeded. These limit values are intended to ensure that consumers are not harmed by the use of drinking water. Generally, you do not have to worry about the quality of your tap water in Switzerland, as groundwater and spring water are carefully treated using

• UV disinfection (ozonation),
• quartz sand,
• activated carbon,
• chlorine dioxide

In cases of minor contamination, ozonation is often sufficient to kill bacteria and germs in drinking water.

What Options Do You Have as a Consumer?

As a consumer, you do not have to simply accept potential contaminants in your drinking water. Since there are many sources of contamination, you can always have the water tested through a water analysis. If the water shows contamination, it might be worth investing in a filtration system.

• The water test takes only a few minutes.
• Only a small amount of water is required.
• You can have the water tested in a laboratory for germs, heavy metals, and pesticides.
• The water analysis is suitable for tap and well water.
• You will receive a clear analysis result.
• The analysis is not expensive and helps protect your health.
• Alternatively, a quick water test is also possible (without a laboratory).

✪ Conclusion: Pesticides and Lead Possible in Drinking Water

Even though drinking water is carefully filtered, contamination and exceeding limit values cannot be ruled out. If you want to be on the safe side, you should have your drinking water checked by a laboratory and consider investing in a filtration system.