What is the truth about drinking water contamination, and should you be worried? The expert answers.

According to DR, water expert Jörg Schullehner addressed five key questions about the quality of drinking water in Denmark amid the election campaign.

During the election campaign: Drinking water on the agenda

The recent election campaign in Denmark saw an increased focus on the quality of drinking water, following a recommendation by an expert panel in December to reduce the maximum limit for water nitrates from 50 to six milligrams per liter due to a slight increase in the risk of bowel cancer.

Citizens reacted: some were so concerned that they resorted to individual measures.

The DR website tells the story of a group of Danes who were so concerned about the content of their tap water that they had to take personal steps to ensure its quality.

Question 1: Should I be afraid to drink tap water today?

Jörg Schullehner responds that the short answer is no. He explains that the proposed reduction in the nitrate limit reflects the authorities' response to new scientific knowledge, and that the goal is to reduce the concentration of harmful substances in the future. He adds: "It's natural for some to fear the presence of substances whose dangers we may discover later, and for which we may need further reviews in the future."“

Question 2: Do I need to install a home water filter on my tap?

Jörg Schullehner explains that tap water is one of the most monitored commodities, with regular sampling and updated maximum contamination limits based on the latest research. He believes that purchasing a filter is not the ideal solution if it doesn't guarantee sufficient removal of desired contaminants, and that neglecting filter maintenance can lead to further contamination by bacteria growing inside the filter.

Question 3: What is meant by the maximum pollutant limits?

The maximum permissible concentration (grænseværdi) represents the highest chemical concentration allowed in water. The current limit for nitrates is 50 mg/L, while an international group of experts has recommended reducing it to 6 mg/L to lower the risk of bowel cancer. The Danish Environment Agency confirms that the majority of the population currently receives water below this new limit.

Question 4: Are you personally worried about drinking tap water?

Jörg Schullehner responds firmly: “Absolutely not.” He justifies this by citing the regular monitoring of water samples and ensuring compliance with established limits. He points out that exposure to certain chemicals, such as PFAS, is greater in other everyday sources like cosmetics and food packaging, and that tap water in Denmark is not the primary source of these contaminants. He advises against using bottled water unless absolutely necessary, and even then, cautions against the potential presence of other substances.

Question 5: Where do drinking water pollutants come from?

Jörg Schullehner explains that pollution sources are numerous and vary depending on the material and the region. The agricultural sector is a major source of surface pollution from nitrate fertilizers and pesticides. There are also "point sources," such as fire-fighting training sites using foams containing PFAS. He notes that the degree of responsibility of agriculture varies depending on the type of pollutant.

Question 6: How can we ensure safe drinking water in the future?

Jörg Schullehner emphasizes the need to halt polluting activities in sensitive areas to directly protect groundwater, as relying on subsequent water purification leads to higher treatment costs and water prices. He believes that a public discussion of this issue is crucial to ensuring water quality for future generations. He concludes by saying that there is no need to panic or stop drinking water, but rather a need to secure good water quality now and in the future.