Nitrate in drinking water: worries about quality in the Heinsberg district!

Nitrate in drinking water: worries about quality in the Heinsberg district!

Access to clean drinking water is a central topic that is important worldwide. According to the UN World Water Report have no permanent access to these essential resource. This problem is still exacerbated by climate change, which leads to a lack of water in many regions.

In Germany, on the other hand, almost all households are connected to the public water supply. The tap water is considered drinkable and is subject to the strict controls prescribed for food. Nevertheless, there are regional differences that are worrying, especially in the Heinsberg district, where the local district parliamentary group of the Greens discusses water quality.

nitrate pollution in drinking water

The current content of nitrate in drinking water is the focus of this political debate. The Drinking Water Ordinance stipulates that waterworks may release a maximum of 50 milligrams of nitrate per liter. This value has been defined in particular to protect infants and toddlers, while the long -term exposure of adults has so far been insufficiently considered.

The first research in the Heinsberg district showed that the nitrate content in drinking water varies between 5 and 19 milligrams per liter. In the face of scientific knowledge, which arises from an increased risk of cancer from a nitro content of 3.87 milligrams per liter, the Greens request information about the actual stress.

political inquiries and measures

As part of the district meeting on February 12, the Greens have already prepared an inquiry. This aims to obtain information about the nitrate loads in the drinking water of the waterworks in the Heinsberg district. In addition, questions about the cost of reducing the nitrate content are raised to less than 50 milligrams per liter and under 3.87 milligrams per liter.

Another aspect of the request concerns the methods used for nitrate reduction. This information is crucial to plan and implement measures to improve water quality. It remains to be seen how those responsible react to these inquiries and what long -term strategies to combat the nitrate pollution.

The urgency of this topic illustrates how important it is not only to monitor the current content, but also to take proactive steps to ensure water quality. Monthly checks and transparent communication could be a first step in the right direction to maintain the trust of the population in the drinking water supply.