For several years now, we've been showing on this channel how many invisible sources pollute our tap water …
For several years now, we've been showing on this channel how many invisible sources pollute our tap water — from ever new chemicals, pesticides & biocides to medications, fertilizers, heavy metals, microplastics, PFAS, germs, nitrate & nitrite through to disinfection and cleaning agents.
What many underestimate: How many legacy contaminants still lie dormant deep in our soils.
Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Spain each invest around 100 million every year to protect soils and groundwater from these old toxins — so that what comes out of your tap today doesn't exceed limit values.
💧Prevention is better than limit values — that's why we recommend filtering water at home.
An overview: What countries invest
🇩🇪 Germany
➡️ Around 200–300 million € per year (public + private) for legacy contamination alone – without other soil protection measures.
🇦🇹 Austria
➡️ About 80 million € annually to protect soils and groundwater from legacy contamination.
🇨🇭 Switzerland
➡️ Around 100 million CHF/year (~100 million €) flow into legacy site remediation including protection of groundwater & soils.
🇪🇸 Spain
➡️ EU Environmental Agency estimates range from 50–100 million € annually in public funds (national + regional).
Private investments from industry are added on top — usually in similar amounts, but difficult to capture precisely.