VSR water protection warns of nitrate, iron and bacterial contamination
The non-profit VSR water protection analyzed 972 fountain water samples in the district of Groß-Gerau 12 percent of the samples exceed the legal limit for nitrate . Bacteria have also been determined with iron and coliforms.
" 12.5 % of the fountains showed nitrate values above the limit of 50 mg/l , in 1.1 % the values were even over 100 mg/l ," said Harald Gülzow , physicist and expert of the organization. The burden often results from intensive agriculture . Particularly problematic: when watering with contaminated water, nitrates can accumulate in vegetables such as spinach or leaf salad .
Iron values above the guideline of 0.8 mg/l were also 27.8 % of the samples. This can lead discoloration, deposits and germ formation
a microbiological load by coliform bacteria was found in 14.0 % , in 2.2 % even E. coli - a clear sign of fecal contamination . The causes are often defective wastewater pipes or heavy rain that incorporates contaminated surface water in fountain.
"Our evaluations show where there are risks and make a contribution to the protection of drinking water supply and to raise awareness of the population," explains Gülzow.
Fountain owners received individual reports with recommendations for use. An interactive card , diagrams for the load position and the next dates of the laboratory mobile phone can be called up on the website of the VSR water protection:
👉 vsr-gewaesserschutz.de/regionales/hessen
(Gross-Gerau-Red/PSGG)
Cover picture: Harald Gülzow explains measured values in the district of Groß-Gerau Photo: Ruben Wiltsch
(VSR)
