Tap water quality in Berlin

The importance of water quality for health

The quality of the water we consume on a daily basis is crucial to our health. Contaminated water can cause a variety of health problems, from gastrointestinal illnesses to long-term chronic diseases.

It is therefore important to know what substances are in the water and how safe the Tapwater actually is. In this context, regular monitoring and treatment of the water plays a key role in ensuring that it meets the strict legal requirements and is free from harmful substances.¹

Origin and extraction of Berlin's drinking water

Berlin's Tapwater comes almost exclusively from groundwater that is extracted in the Berlin glacial valley, a region formed during the Ice Age. In contrast to other German regions that use rivers or reservoirs, Berlin relies on this natural source. Around 70 percent comes directly from aquifers, 30 percent from bank filtrate from bodies of water such as the Spree or Tegeler See, which is filtered through gravel and sand.²

Nine waterworks operated by Berliner Wasserbetriebe (BWB), including Friedrichshagen, Tegel and Beelitzhof, pump around 210 million cubic meters of water each year from wells up to 170 meters deep. Bank filtration in particular, for example at Müggelsee, ensures high water quality before minimal treatment. In this way, Berlin reliably supplies its 3.7 million inhabitants with drinking water every day.

Water treatment

Berlin's tap water is treated in several stages:

Quality assurance

Berliner Wasserbetriebe regularly carries out extensive tests to ensure the quality of the drinking water. This includes daily sampling and analysis in the waterworks and at various points in the distribution network. The results of these tests are published and show that Berlin's Tapwater is generally of high quality and safe to consume.

Ingredients of tap water in Berlin

The Berlin Tapwater contains a natural mixture of minerals that are typical of groundwater. These include calcium and magnesium, which are responsible for the hardness of the water, as well as moderate amounts of sodium, sulphate and chloride. Pollutants such as nitrate are well below the legal limits, and heavy metals such as lead are hardly detectable in the public network - but can occur in old domestic pipes.³

Is Tapwater drinkable in Berlin?

Legal regulations and limit values

The Berlin Tapwater is subject to the German Drinking Water Ordinancewhich sets strict limits for numerous pollutants in order to ensure health safety.⁴

This regulation is based on European Union directives and is regularly updated to take account of new scientific findings. The controlled parameters include microbiological, chemical and physical properties of the water.⁵

The Drinking Water Ordinance sets limits for nitrates, lead, copper, chloride, sulphate and various pesticides, among other things. These limits are designed to protect the health of consumers and ensure that the water does not contain harmful concentrations of these substances.

Compliance with these regulations is ensured through regular checks and tests by the waterworks and health authorities.

Taste and water hardness

A common issue in Berlin is water hardness, which affects the taste and usability of the water.

Berlin water is classified as hard at 14°dH, which means that it contains high concentrations of calcium and magnesium. Although these minerals are not harmful to health, they can affect the taste and lead to the formation of limescale deposits in household appliances.

Another factor influencing the taste is chlorine, which is used to disinfect the water. Although chlorine is not harmful to health in the prescribed quantities, some people find the taste unpleasant.

Possible contamination and health effects

While the Drinking Water Ordinance regulates many potentially harmful substances, there are also substances that are not explicitly controlled. These include, for example microplastics and some pharmacological residues that cannot be completely removed by conventional treatment processes.^6,7

Studies have shown that although such contaminants usually occur in very low concentrations, long-term health risks cannot be completely ruled out.

Another problem is contamination that can occur on the way from the waterworks to the consumer. Old pipes, especially in buildings constructed before 1973, can release lead and other metals into the water. Even though the waterworks in Berlin take measures to minimize such risks, it is advisable to drain the water after long periods of standing in order to reduce possible contamination.

Current cases of drinking water contamination in Berlin and the surrounding area

• 28.11.2024 -Legionella in the pipes
  Dangerous bacteria were found in the drinking water of several houses belonging to the Immo Group Heimstaden
• 26.11.2024 - Legionella in Berlin high-rise housing estate
  The high-rise housing estate in Angerburger Allee in Charlottenburg has had legionella for years. Adler Group must permanently reduce rents.
  
• 22.04.2024 - PFAS in drinking water in Berlin
  We took tap water samples at a total of ten locations. Tapwater contains PFAS in nine of the ten locations
• 03.03.2024 - "Eternal chemistry" in drinking water: Berlin and Cologne struggle to comply with limit values
  From 2028, a limit value will apply for frequently used but also harmful PFAS chemicals. A citizen science project now shows that many regions are still in the green zone. Except for two.
• 12.07.2024 - Gadolinium (MRI contrast agents) increase 30-fold in Berlin drinking water
  The study shows that the concentration of anthropogenic gadolinium in Berlin's Tapwater increased 30-fold on average between 2009 and 2021.
  

These cases are exceptions, but they show that the quality of the house connection depends on the condition of your pipes. If you are unsure, you can use a water filter.

Measures to improve tap water in Berlin 

Use of a water filter

There are numerous benefits to using water filters. As well as improving taste, filtration can provide health benefits by removing potentially harmful substances such as lead, chlorine, pesticides and microplastics from water. This can be particularly important for households with young children, the elderly or those with weakened immune systems.A good quality water filter can also help to reduce exposure to limescale, which not only improves taste but also extends the life of household appliances such as coffee machines and kettles. For more information on the benefits and products, visit the Alb Filter website.

Tips for improving the taste

Besides using filters, there are other ways to improve the taste of tap water:

Chill the water:
Cold water often tastes fresher and can mask unpleasant flavors.

Add lemon slices:
A few slices of lemon can significantly enhance the taste of the water.

Aerate the water:
Letting the water sit for a few minutes allows volatile compounds like chlorine to evaporate.

These measures can significantly improve the quality and taste of tap water in Berlin, making it not only safe but also enjoyable to drink. For more information on Berlin’s water quality, visit the website of the Berliner Wasserbetriebe and the Drinking Water Report of the Federal Ministry of Health.

Conclusion

In summary, the Tapwater in Berlin is safe and drinkable. It is subject to strict legal regulations and regular controls to ensure high quality. The water treatment in Berlin ensures that the water is free from harmful substances and complies with the legal limits.

Despite these high standards, however, there are some factors that can affect the quality of tap water. One possible source of contamination is the pipe system itself. Old or poorly maintained pipes can release contaminants such as lead, copper or iron into the water. This is a particular problem in older buildings where the pipes may not meet current standards.

In addition, there are uncontrolled substances in Tapwater that cannot be completely removed by the public system. This includes microplastics, nitrates and other chemical residues from agricultural or industrial activities. Although these substances are generally present in small quantities and do not pose an acute health risk, they can cause long-term concerns.

Water filters can be used to further improve the quality of tap water. These can effectively remove impurities such as chlorine, heavy metals and microplastics, thus improving both the taste and safety of the water. It is also advisable to run the water regularly before drinking it, especially if it has been standing in the pipes for a long time.