Sparkling refreshment or health hazard?
Chemicals and pesticides have been found in some types of mineral water.
Berlin - In Germany, high-quality water usually comes from the tap.
According to the Federal Environment Agency, all limit values are not exceeded in 99 percent of the cases.
Nevertheless, many Germans prefer to use the supposedly healthier mineral water from the bottle.
The water filtered through layers of rock promises an extra kick of refreshment and minerals.
But how healthy is mineral water really?
In order for water to be able to call itself “mineral water”, it must have “its origin in underground water resources protected from contamination”.
Manufacturers in Germany follow strict limit values and guidelines.
Stiftung Warentest has tested 32 types of mineral water for its ingredients (edition 08/2021).
The result is mixed.
Mineral water test: Lidl, Penny and Rewe also among the front runners
For the majority of the water brands, however, the all-clear has been given for the time being: 26 out of 32 varieties achieved a “very good” rating.
Among the front runners are some own-label discount stores:
Prince Bismarck Still
Lidl Saskia Still
Kaufland K-Classic Still
Penny Elitess Still
Rewe yes!
Quiet
Lichtenauer pure mineral springs
Stiftung Warentest: Radium in mineral water - pollutants at Volvic, Adelholzener and Rieser
For some well-known types of mineral water, however, point deductions are made.
Adelholzener Naturell (1.7) and Volvic (1.9) did very well in terms of minerals, but both varieties showed increased chromium values (VI).
The substance is classified as carcinogenic by the EU chemicals regulation.
Although health problems are unlikely, mineral waters that are completely free of chromium could still be a healthier choice.
In the case of the water brands Voss and Healsi, the test criticized the low mineral balance compared to the high CO2 balance. Both are only rated “sufficient”. “Rieser Urwasser Bio Still” received a “poor” rating (grade 4.6). Excessive amounts of radium 226 and 228 were discovered here. The laboratory was also able to detect pesticide breakdown products and benzene. Although small amounts are also involved here, tap water could still be healthier in some cases. (
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