Tapwater Denmark: To drink or not to drink?
Denmark is a popular destination for German families. Its location between the Baltic Sea and the North Sea makes it a vacation destination with many facets and beautiful landscapes. Are you planning a vacation in Denmark soon? Then find out here about the most important local foodstuff: drinking water!
In this Guidebook you will learn...
- ... whether Tapwater is drinkable in Denmark,
- ... where Danish drinking water comes from,
- ... whether there are regional differences in water quality
- ... and what you should consider when it comes to drinking water during a vacation in a vacation home in Denmark.
Can you drink Tapwater in Denmark?
The Danish EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) describes Tapwater in Denmark as one of the best in the world. For this reason, Danes usually choose Tapwater instead of mineral water 1.
Drinking water in Denmark must meet the quality criteria laid down in Danish legislation at all times. Responsibility for monitoring the quality of drinking water lies with the water suppliers 2. The frequency with which the quality is measured depends on how much water the water supplier supplies. The higher the quantity of water, the more frequently it must be tested.
Denmark is also obliged to publish a report on the quality of Danish drinking water every three years. In the last report covering the period 2017-2019, almost all measured values complied 100% with the guidelines 3. There were exceptions for parameters such as ammonium, iron, manganese, nitrite and coliform bacteria. These deviated on average between 1 and 8 % from the guidelines.
Overall, Tapwater in Denmark is of relatively good quality and can generally be drunk. However, as in Germany, there are always problems and discrepancies regarding water quality. For example, there is debate as to whether the limits set out in the Drinking Water Ordinance are really sufficient to guarantee good quality. You can find out more about this and why caution is also required when drinking water in Denmark in the Guidebook "Why filter water."
Excursus: Bathing water quality in Denmark
In terms of bathing water quality, Denmark is in the top 10 in Europe and even ahead of Germany 4. A total of 91.9% of bathing waters here are classified as "excellent". So there's nothing standing in the way of a great time swimming in Denmark!
Where does the drinking water in Denmark come from?
All drinking water in Denmark is fed from groundwater 5. This is pumped up and then enriched with oxygen and purified using sand as a filter material. In this way, substances such as hydrogen sulphide, carbon dioxide, methane, iron, manganese and ammonium are filtered out of the water. Advanced groundwater treatment is only used if it is really necessary.
The majority of the population is supplied with fresh drinking water every day by around 2,600 public water suppliers 6. In addition, the authority estimates that there are around 50,000 non-public water suppliers, i.e. those that supply less than 10 properties. These supply around 3% of Danes with drinking water and usually consist of a well or a borehole.
Drinking water quality in Denmark: protecting groundwater is a top priority
As all drinking water in Denmark comes from groundwater, particular attention is paid to its quality 7. There are a total of nine initiatives aimed at protecting groundwater and drinking water from contamination 8.
The biggest threat to groundwater in Denmark is pesticides. For this reason, there are regular mass screenings that focus on pesticide residues. In addition, numerous water suppliers have already installed their own technologies to reliably filter pesticides out of the water.
Regional differences in drinking water quality in Denmark?
In Denmark, you can generally enjoy high-quality drinking water nationwide due to high standards. Regional differences primarily exist in the composition of tap water9, as it varies from region to region. As a result, drinking water in Denmark can taste quite different depending on the location.
The water in Copenhagen in particular is said to be very good. There are even over 60 drinking water fountains here, where fresh Tapwater is available to the public 10.
Vacation home in Denmark: Enjoy Tapwater thanks to the water filter
Many vacationers opt for a vacation home when they travel to Denmark. This gives you complete independence and allows you to get to know the country from a completely different perspective. It offers significantly more space than small hotel rooms and is therefore ideal for larger travel groups and families.
Vacationing in a vacation home also means being completely self-sufficient, which raises the question of drinking water. Of course, you can buy bottled water for the duration of your stay, but thanks to the good quality of drinking water in Denmark, this is not necessary, at least for the short duration of your vacation.
If you are still not quite sure whether the water from the tap is really safe to drink, we recommend using a water filter. With a high-quality drinking water filter, you can enjoy guaranteed clean Tapwater and don't have to worry about unwanted substances in the water.
Do you want clean water fresh from the tap even when you're on vacation?
Then our drinking water filters are just right for you!
Drinking Tapwater in Denmark? Basically yes!
Denmark provides its population and all vacationers with Tapwater of relatively good quality. Thanks to the EU Drinking Water Directive and national laws, the water must meet high standards and is therefore at least suitable for short-term consumption.
Nevertheless, as with drinking water in Germany, the specified limits may be exceeded from time to time. However, such problems are usually quickly identified and rectified. For those who want to be on the safe side, we recommend water filters. This way you are always on the safe side and can enjoy your vacation to the fullest!
FAQs on drinking water in Denmark
Is the Tapwater in Denmark drinking water?
Yes, Tapwater in Denmark is drinkable nationwide. It meets high quality standards and is regularly checked. Nevertheless, it can always happen that impurities can be detected in the water.
Is the Tapwater in Denmark suitable for baby food?
As the Tapwater in Denmark is of relatively high quality, it is generally also suitable for babies and the production of baby food. However, if you are unsure, it is best to use a water filter. This guarantees you clean drinking water.
Is the drinking water in Copenhagen good?
Yes, the Tapwater in Copenhagen is drinkable in principle. The water supplier HOFOR provides clean drinking water for the majority of households in the greater Copenhagen area. You will also find numerous drinking water fountains in Denmark's capital where you can tap fresh water. Be aware, however, that contamination can occur at any time, at least occasionally.
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References
- Ministry of the Environment Denmark
Water at home - Ministry of the Environment Denmark
Drinking water monitoring - Ministry of the Environment Denmark
Quality of Danish drinking water 2017-2019 - European Environment Agency
Danish bathing water quality in 2021 - Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland
Water quality - Ministry of the Environment Denmark
Drinking water supply - DANVA
Magazine June 2022 - Ministry of the Environment Denmark
9initiatives for clean drinking water - Ministry of the Environment Denmark
Factsheet on Danish drinking water - HOFOR
Free drinking water in Copenhagen