Water in Hamburg is won through a number of wells distributed throughout the city. It is processed into drinking water at 15 different water works. Iron and Manganese are extracted through filtration and ventilation. The drinking water is disinfected with the help of Chloride in Rothenburgsort and Haseldorfer Marsch. In all other water works, disinfection isn’t necessary. Through a tight grid of pipes, water is distributed into 800,000 households across the city. Regular tests in the works as well as the distribution network make sure, that the water is always of the best quality. Click this link to see, where probe stations are located.
The Trinkwasserportal allows you to access current data on every probe station.
If you should require additional information concerning test results (and implications for your health), the glossary (German only) can help you.
The Trinkwasser Report sums up all findings.
Fresh water
Among other factors, water quality depends on the dwell duration within the distribution network. Click the link (German only) to learn how user behaviour can influence qualities.
Hard and soft water
On its way through the soil, water picks up minerals and trace elements. The amount of elements such as calcium, iron, magnesium, sodium, potassium and chloride define the water hardness. A high percentage of minerals equals higher water hardness and by extension a rich taste. More importantly, many additives are elementary for your health. Calcium strengthens bones and teeth, iron furthers the energy metabolism and the formation of blood cells.
In Germany, experts differentiate between three different grades of water hardness, measured in the German hardness degree °dh. Water below a degree of 8.4 °dh is considered soft, medium hard water lies between 8.4 and 14 °dh. Water above 14 °dh is considered hard. In Hamburg, the degree varies drastically between different neighbourhoods.
The right dosage is key
While the human body profits from water hardness, household appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers and coffee machines tend to calcify more quickly. Appliance manufacturers give dosage instructions depending on water hardness.
Drinking Water
