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VSR-Gewässerschutz warns of nitrate, iron and bacterial contamination
The non-profit organization VSR-Gewässerschutz 972 well water samples in the Groß-Gerau district – with some alarming results: Over 12 percent of the samples exceeded the legal limit for nitrate . Contamination with iron and coliform bacteria was also detected.
“ 12.5% of the wells showed nitrate levels above the limit of 50 mg/l , and in 1.1% the levels were even above 100 mg/l ,” said Harald Gülzow , physicist and expert with the organization. The pollution often results from intensive agriculture . Particularly problematic: When watering with contaminated water, nitrates can accumulate in vegetables such as spinach or lettuce .
Iron levels exceeding the guideline value of 0.8 mg/l were also 27.8% of the samples. This can lead to technical problems such as discoloration, deposits, and bacterial growth .
microbiological contamination by coliform bacteria was detected in 14.0% E. coli was even found in 2.2% – a clear indication of fecal contamination . The causes are often defective sewage pipes or heavy rainfall that carries contaminated surface water into wells.
“Our analyses show where risks exist and contribute to protecting the drinking water supply and raising public awareness,” explains Gülzow.
Well owners received individual assessments with recommendations for use. An interactive map , diagrams showing the pollution levels, and the next dates for the mobile laboratory are available on the VSR-Gewässerschutz website:
👉 vsr-gewaesserschutz.de/regionales/hessen
(Gross-Gerau-Red/PSGG)
Cover photo: Harald Gülzow explains measurement data in the Groß-Gerau district. Photo: Ruben Wiltsch
(VSR)
