Drinking Water Testing
Service description
In Germany, drinking water of excellent quality is delivered to every household at an affordable price. Regular testing ensures compliance with legal requirements and limits.
The extensive tests to be conducted by water utilities are supplemented by official inspections carried out by public health departments.
Drinking water systems (i.e., the entire network of drinking water pipes and fixtures) in public buildings (e.g., hospitals, daycare centers, etc.) are also monitored in accordance with specific guidelines issued by the public health department.
In addition, the plumbing systems in larger apartment buildings must be inspected for Legionella at regular intervals. Further information on Legionella in drinking water systems can be found on the website of the Hessian Ministry of Social Affairs and Integration (HMSI).
In exceptional cases, if—despite all these monitoring measures—there are changes in the taste, odor, or color of the drinking water, or if there is reason to suspect that the drinking water contains dangerous germs or hazardous substances, it is recommended that you contact the appropriate authorities directly.
- Accreditation and Listing of Drinking Water Testing Laboratories
(Hesse State Office for Health and Care (HLfGP))
- Accreditation and Listing of Drinking Water Testing Laboratories
Procedure
If you contact any of the agencies listed below in writing or by phone, you should describe the observed abnormalities as thoroughly as possible (e.g., cloudiness, taste, odor, or other observations). This information can provide experts with clues as to the nature of the contaminants.
Employees of the water utility or the public health department—or testing laboratories contracted by them—may visit your home or business to collect a drinking water sample. This sample will be analyzed in a laboratory to determine the cause of any contamination.
Tip: You can obtain information about drinking water from your local public health department, your water utility, the German Technical and Scientific Association for Gas and Water (DVGW), and the Federal Environment Agency.
- Drinking Water and Health
(German Association of the Gas and Water Industry, e.V.)
- Water, Drinking Water, and Water Protection
(Federal Environment Agency)
- Drinking Water and Health
What fees apply?
- For official drinking water tests conducted in response to a consumer complaint: None. For more
information, please contact your local public health department.
- The respective testing facility will provide you with information about the costs associated with a test you have requested from an accredited drinking water laboratory.
- For official drinking water tests conducted in response to a consumer complaint: None. For more
Legal basis