Tap water and estrogen in a fact check

The common claim about estrogen in tap water

There are repeated fears on social media that estrogens and hormonally active chemicals in tap water could harm men, make them effeminate and even make them infertile.

It is assumed that these substances would not be completely removed in sewage treatment plants and could end up in tap water via rivers and lakes. In addition, reference is made to studies that have found a decline in sperm counts in men and interpreted this as evidence of a “sperm crisis”.

The fact check

Experts and the Federal Environment Agency ( via email to BR24 ) contradict the assumption that estrogens in tap water are responsible for the fertility crisis: “Hormones are very well removed from the water via biological (microbial) transformation, ozonation and UV treatment with subsequent adsorption .”

Although most sewage treatment plants do not yet have the most modern technology to completely remove these substances, the majority of drinking water in Germany and Austria comes from groundwater sources in which contamination with estrogens is almost impossible. Even in surface water, from which a smaller proportion of drinking water is obtained, hormonally active substances are greatly reduced through dilution and treatment. However, problems can arise when renovating old water pipes with epoxy resin, from which bisphenol A can dissolve.

The Austrian Association for Consumer Information (VKI) has commented educational article

What we found out

The fear that tap water impairs fertility through hormonal substances is largely unfounded. Scientific research and water treatment practice show that drinking water quality is very high in both Germany and Austria and strict controls ensure safety. In addition, the contribution of drinking water to the overall exposure to hormonally active substances is minimal compared to other sources, such as certain foods.

Facts about drinking water quality

Germany:

• Over 60 percent of drinking water is obtained from groundwater; it usually does not come into contact with wastewater at all.
• Estrogen concentrations in treated wastewater are usually less than one nanogram per liter.
• Modern treatment processes such as biological conversion, ozonation and UV treatment effectively remove hormones from the water.

Austria:

• Drinking water is predominantly obtained from springs or wells.
• The water quality meets the high standards of the EU Drinking Water Directive and the Austrian Food Code.
• Drinking water is regularly tested for hormonally active substances, with consistently negative results for BPA and estrogens.

Importance of clean drinking water

In both countries, concerns about hormonally active substances in drinking water are largely unfounded. Thanks to strict controls and modern treatment techniques, residents in Germany and Austria can rely on the fact that their drinking water is of high quality.

• Problems with old water pipes, especially in Germany, are known and are being addressed, but do not pose a general danger.
• According to current knowledge, the discussion about a supposed “sperm crisis” caused by drinking water is not supported by facts.
• Continuous monitoring and adjustment of water treatment technologies is important to ensure the safety and purity of drinking water in the future.

Questions and answers on the topic

Question 1: Can estrogens in drinking water make men infertile?
Answer 1: No, experts and studies show that the amounts of hormonally active substances in tap water are too low to affect human fertility.

Question 2: How safe is drinking water in Germany and Austria?
Answer 2: Very safe. The quality of drinking water is strictly controlled and modern treatment processes effectively reduce the amount of potentially harmful substances.

Question 3: What are the causes of the decrease in sperm count in men?
Answer 3: The exact causes are still under research, but drinking water has been ruled out as the main cause. Other factors such as lifestyle and pollution could play a role.

Question 4: Should I worry if I drink tap water?
Answer 4: No, for the vast majority of people in Germany and Austria there is no reason to worry if they drink tap water.

Question 5: How can I be sure my drinking water is safe?
Answer 5: By following the water supplier's recommendations, for example only drinking cold water and, if necessary, boiling it before consuming it.

Conclusion

Drinking water in Germany and Austria is safe and poses no risk to human fertility. It is important to trust scientific evidence and strict monitoring of water quality.

Source: BR24 – Factfuchs , verbrauchent.at , Federal Environment Agency , trinkwasserinfo.at

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