Water is one of the most valuable resources we have.
Without clean drinking water, we cannot meet basic needs such as nutrition, hygiene and health. It is involved in almost all human metabolic processes – and is therefore essential for our survival. But drinking water is not only vital for us personally: agriculture, livestock farming and food production also depend on it. Without sufficient water, the supply of food would simply not be possible.
Water is essential for the human body
Clean fresh water is also essential for agriculture, animal husbandry and industry. Without a reliable supply of drinking water, modern life as we know it would be inconceivable. Nevertheless, we are often careless in our use of this valuable resource: Whether in production, in the household or for personal hygiene – our water consumption is far too high in many places.
At the same time, we are putting a massive strain on the water system: residues from medicines, microplastics, heavy metals, germs, viruses and residues from cleaning and care products end up in rivers, lakes and soils via wastewater. Many of these substances cannot be completely removed in wastewater treatment plants – and therefore find their way back into the water cycle. Even small amounts of some substances can be harmful to health. Some substances are also suspected of increasing the risk of cancer in humans.
Such pollutants do not belong in our drinking water!
It is time to raise our awareness of the increasing pollution of our water. A rethink is urgently needed. Each and every one of us bears responsibility – our consumer behavior has a significant impact on the quality of our water. Those who act in a conscious, sustainable and environmentally friendly way make an active contribution to protecting our most important resource. Waste avoidance and responsible consumption start with ourselves.
Sources of water pollution at a glance
Traffic and air emissions
Exhaust gases from aircraft and vehicles release pollutants such as hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), sulphur oxides (SOₓ), particulate matter, soot and heavy metals – these enter the soil and water via the air and precipitation.
Overfertilization in agriculture
The use of artificial fertilizers and liquid manure results in nitrate and nitrite pollution that seeps into the groundwater.
Contaminated wells and springs. Even natural spring water can be contaminated with heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, mercury or uranium. There is also contamination from agricultural residues or wastewater.
Urban influences
Urban waste, microplastics, exhaust fumes and wastewater from the sewage system have a significant impact on water quality.
Sewage treatment plants
Despite modern treatment, residues such as active pharmaceutical ingredients (e.g. antibiotics, hormones), heavy metals, microplastics and chemical cleaning agents remain in the water and are released back into the water cycle. Chemical accidents, leaks or accidents involving heating oil, petrol or solvents can also release toxic substances into the soil, flora and water.
Industrial discharges
Many companies discharge wastewater or exhaust gases containing pollutants into the environment – not always fully filtered.
Power generation
Power plants – including nuclear power plants – pollute the environment with exhaust gases, thermally modified cooling water and small amounts of radioactivity.
Pesticides and other sprays
Agents used in agriculture to combat weeds, pests or fungal infestations enter the groundwater and surface water via the soil.
Fracking process
Extracting gas through fracking carries the risk of chemicals entering the groundwater.
Illegal disposal in the sea
Waste oils, toxic waste and radioactive substances are sometimes dumped in international waters – with serious consequences for the ecosystem.
Plastics and microplastics
Plastic waste breaks down into tiny particles over time. Microplastics end up in rivers, lakes and oceans via care products, washing processes and environmental pollution – and ultimately also in our drinking water.