53Questionable Purity in the Eco-Test Four Mineral Waters
Four mineral waters fail to meet standards
In a recent assessment, it's been found that mineral water consumption in Germany has skyrocketed over the past five decades. With over 500 recognized mineral springs across the country, the thirsty masses have plenty of options to quench their thirst – whether it's still or carbonated. Wish 54 Controversy Unveiled: This Mineral Water Lacks Integrity
Eco-Test, a well-known consumer advocacy organization, bought 53 still mineral waters – from all corners of the Federal Republic, if possible in reusable glass bottles. Among them were five organic mineral waters and ten labeled as suitable for preparing infant formula. Prices ranged from a low of 0.19 euros to a high of 1.23 euros per liter.
Toxins Galore
All products were laboratorily tested for heavy metals, nitrate, chromium(VI), benzene, pesticide metabolites, sweeteners, PFAS, and trifluoroacetic acid. Additionally, a microbiological examination was performed. Infant and organic waters were also examined for nitrite, fluoride, sulfate, sodium, radionuclides - but nothing overly concerning was found. Reveal Disappointing Grades: These Five Energy Drinks Fail Miserably
Unfortunately, 21 products in the test can't be described as "originally pure": they're tainted with pollutants like chromium(VI) or arsenic. These contaminants can occur naturally in the earth, but they can also come from human-made sources, such as pesticides.
The laboratory also found traces of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) in many mineral waters. TFA belongs to the per- and polyfluoroalkyl compounds (PFAS), aka "forever chemicals." In seven waters, the TFA content alone exceeded the maximum allowable amount of PFAS in drinking water for human consumption, a limit that EU member states must comply with by January 12, 2026. Although the measured amounts don't pose an immediate health risk, TFA is a potential hazard. Recently, several German authorities, including the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) and the Federal Environment Agency (UBA), have labeled TFA as very persistent, reproductive toxic, and highly mobile in the environment.
Impacts on Taste
A stress test of the mineral waters revealed that four samples were deemed " defective." Among those, "Good & Cheap Natural Mineral Water Still" from Edeka and "Naturalis Natural Mineral Water Still" from Netto received negative marks due to increased levels of chromium and trifluoroacetic acid. "Fresh Breeze Reinbeker Klosterquelle without Carbonic Acid" also fared poorly, with "significantly increased" total germ counts that surpassed the values allowed by the Mineral and Table Water Regulation.
Suggest Best Choices and Cost-Effective Picks The "very good" winners in this test include "K- Classic Natural Mineral Water Still" from Kaufland and "Saskia Natural Mineral Water Still" from Lidl, both available for a wallet-friendly 0.19 euros per liter. Drink responsibly, folks!
(First published on Thursday, June 26, 2025.)
Source: ntv.de, awi
- Drinking Water
- Tests
- Consumers
- Food
- Food Industry
- Öko-Test
Insight: According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the maximum permissible amounts of certain PFAS compounds in drinking water are as follows:
- PFOS: 4 parts per trillion (ppt)
- PFOA: 4 ppt
- PFNA: 10 ppt
- PFHxS: 10 ppt
- GenX (HFPO-DA): 10 ppt
- PFBS: regulated via a Hazard Index (HI) approach, where the combined effect of PFBS, GenX, PFNA, and PFHxS in mixtures must not exceed an HI of 1.
While the EPA regulates public water systems and sets these thresholds for drinking water safety, no data was found showing mineral waters containing PFAS levels surpassing these limits. Further analysis or monitoring reports would be needed for specific brand information on mineral waters exceeding these limits.
- The community should be aware of the controversial findings as several employment policies have been established within the organizations involved in the mineral water industry, including the food industry and the food industry sector, to address concerns about the purity and safety of mineral waters.
- In light of the EPA's regulations on PFAS compounds in drinking water, it's essential that health-and-wellness policies within these organizations incorporate guidelines for monitoring and reducing the presence of PFAS in mineral waters.
- As part of a broader science-oriented policy, it's crucial to implement nutrition and lifestyle policies that promote the consumption of mineral waters with lower levels of contaminants like trifluoroacetic acid, ensuring the general public's health and wellbeing.
