Tap water quality in Munich

The importance of water quality for health

The quality of the water we consume every day has a significant impact on our health. Contaminants in water can cause a wide range of ailments - from short-term gastrointestinal problems to long-term chronic illnesses.

For this reason, it is crucial to have clarity about what components are present in the water and how reliable the Tapwater actually is. Regular testing and treatment of the water plays a key role in ensuring that it meets high legal standards and does not contain any harmful substances.¹

Origin and extraction of Munich's drinking water

Most of Munich's drinking water comes from the foothills of the Bavarian Alps , in particular from the Mangfall Valley, which covers around 75% of demand. Here, rainwater flows through rock layers of gravel and limestone, which filter it naturally before it is pumped as groundwater to depths of up to 200 meters. In addition, smaller quantities come from the Munich gravel plain and the Loisach Valley. Thanks to the altitude of the Mangfall Valley, the water reaches Munich by gravity without the need for pumps. This natural process ensures that it arrives in a very pure state.^2,3

The water remains largely natural and is distributed via a 3,400-kilometer network of pipes. Regular checks ensure that it always meets the high standards.

Water treatment

The treatment of Munich's drinking water is minimalist, as the groundwater from the Alpine foothills is naturally of very high quality.

Quality assurance

Over 12,000 samples a year test parameters such as nitrate or PFAS, which are always well below the limits set by the Drinking Water Ordinance. Protected extraction areas ensure purity, but you should drain the water from old household pipes after it has been standing for a while. This keeps it safe and drinkable right up to the tap.

Ingredients of tap water in Munich

Munich's drinking water contains natural minerals that make it healthy and balanced in taste. The exact composition may vary slightly depending on the production area, but always remains within the legal requirements. Here is an overview of the typical ingredients.^4,5,6

Is Tapwater drinkable in Munich?

Legal regulations and limit values

Die Qualität des Münchner Trinkwassers wird durch die Trinkwasserverordnung geregelt, die strenge Grenzwerte vorgibt. Die Stadtwerke München überwachen es mit über 12.000 Proben jährlich – von der Quelle bis zum Hausanschluss. Alle Werte, etwa für Chlorid (10–20 mg/l), Sulfat (10–25 mg/l) oder Eisen (< 0,05 mg/l), bleiben deutlich unter den erlaubten Höchstmengen, was die Sicherheit bestätigt.

Taste and water hardness

You will find the water in Munich fresh and neutral, as it contains hardly any chlorine. With a hardness of 14-18 °dH, it is considered hard, which is due to its high calcium content. This can leave limescale in boilers, but also makes it rich in minerals and tasty.

Possible contamination and health effects

Even if Munich's drinking water is of high quality, contamination cannot be completely ruled out. Old lead pipes in buildings (pre-1970) could release lead - drain the water after a longer period to minimize the risk. Trace substances such as PFAS (from industrial chemicals) or microplastics (from environmental pollution) are usually below the detection limit in Munich, but can occur in traces. Microbiological contaminants, such as coliform bacteria, are rare but do occasionally occur - often due to problems in the pipe network or wells.⁷

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

• 08.11.2024 - Water in several municipalities has to be boiled
  In several Upper Bavarian municipalities, people have to boil their water for an initially indefinite period of time.
• 23.04.2024 - PFAS in Munich drinking water
  A nationwide study by BUND in April 2024 detected PFAS in Munich tap water samples, albeit below the EU limit values (0.1 µg/l for 20 PFAS).
  
• 01.01.2024 - Lead in domestic pipes - ongoing problem
  Lead pipes still exist in private installations in older buildings in Munich, especially in districts such as Maxvorstadt or Altstadt. SWM guarantees lead-free water up to the house connection, but stagnant water in lead pipes can exceed limit values (0.01 mg/l).
  

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 Munich 

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

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

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

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

Aerate water:
It is advisable to leave the water to air for a few minutes to allow volatile compounds such as chlorine to evaporate.

These measures can further improve the quality and taste of tap water in Hamburg, making it not only safe but also pleasant to drink. Further information on water quality in Hamburg can be found on the Hamburg Wasser website.

Conclusion

The drinking water in Munich is a genuine quality product: it comes purely from the foothills of the Alps, is minimally treated and impresses with its minerals and taste. Thanks to strict controls and low levels of substances such as chloride, sulphate and iron, it is safe to drink. You should only exercise caution with old household pipes. Overall, it is a sustainable, healthy alternative to bottled water - good for you and the environment.