Unveiling the Hidden Truths: A Closer Look at these Popular Mineral Waters
These four mineral waters fall short of the necessary standard
In the ever-increasing thirst for mineral water in Germany, consumers deserve to know the purity of their chosen drinks. Eco-Test took a bold move to test 53 still mineral waters from across the nation, finding several falling short of the "originally pure" mark.
It's not just Germany; mineral water enthusiasts nationwide can select from a whopping 500 recognized mineral springs. As nature's bounty seeps through rock layers to the source, it absorbs minerals. Consumers have over 500 mineral waters to choose from, ranging from still to carbonated, based on personal preference.
Eco-Test's tests were meticulous, checking for heavy metals, nitrate, chromium(VI), benzene, pesticide metabolites, sweeteners, PFAS, trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), and evaluating microbiological conditions. Infant and organic waters received additional examinations for nitrite, fluoride, sulfate, sodium, and radionuclides but yielded no findings of concern.
The Shocking Results
Regrettably, many of the tested waters proved to be polluted by harmful substances such as chromium(VI) or arsenic. Although these can occur naturally in the soil, human-made sources like pesticides can also cause contamination.
The troubling discovery of the PFAS compound TFA in many waters is a cause for concern. TFA belongs to the per- and polyfluorinated alkyl compounds (PFAS), known as "forever chemicals." Although the measured TFA levels in the tested waters don't pose an immediate health risk, they pose a long-term risk. The German authorities, including the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment and the Federal Environment Agency, have recently appraised TFA as very persistent, reproductive toxic, and very mobile in the environment.
Remarkably, seven waters tested had TFA levels that surpass the maximum permissible amount of PFAS in water for human consumption, set to be implemented by EU member states by January 12, 2026.
Impact on Taste and Shelf Life
The "Good & Cheap Natural Mineral Water Still" from Edeka, the "Naturalis Natural Mineral Water Still" from Netto, and the "Fresh Breeze Reinbeker Klosterquelle without Carbonic Acid" were among the test losers, primarily due to heightened chromium and trifluoroacetic acid values. These findings led to failed microbiological examinations, with total germ counts exceeding values acceptable by the Mineral and Table Water Regulation.
On the positive side, the "very good" waters "K- Classic Natural Mineral Water Still" from Kaufland and "Saskia Natural Mineral Water Still" from Lidl were test winners, both available for a budget-friendly 0,19 Euro per liter.
As of mid-2025, the European Union (EU) has not established an EU-wide maximum permissible amount or limit value for trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) in drinking water. Regulation varies across member states, with some countries, such as Germany, setting national guideline values for TFA in drinking water. Monitoring and regulation are left to national authorities as the EU works towards establishing a harmonised maximum permissible concentration for trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) in drinking water.
Source: ntv.de, awi
- Drinking Water
- Tests
- Consumers
- Food
- Food Industry
- Öko-Test
- Community policy should address the troubling findings of harmful substances such as chromium(VI) or arsenic, PFAS compounds like TFA, and the varying regulation of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) in drinking water across EU member states, ensuring the health-and-wellness of small and medium-sized undertakings involved in the food and food industry.
- In light of Eco-Test's findings, it is crucial that small and medium-sized undertakings in the health-and-wellness sector, including those involved in the production and distribution of mineral waters, pay close attention to nutrition and the quality of their products, adhering to stringent science-based standards to protect consumer health.
