Nitrate risk for drinking water: alarm in the Unterallgäu!

Nitrate risk for drinking water: alarm in the Unterallgäu!

In the past few days there has been a sudden rain shower in the Memminger gravel level, which not only soaked the soils, but also brings serious consequences for drinking water quality. Reports of the BR> show that the nitrate load in the groundwater increases. Experts of the Wasserwirtschaftsamt Kempten have been observing an increase in nitrate concentrations for about 15 years, which now exceed the tolerable guidelines in three quarters of the examined areas.

The agricultural practices are crucial for the quality of our drinking water. Excessive manure and fertilizer use means that nitrate gets into the groundwater. According to a study by the DVGW , Germany is the third largest agricultural exporter worldwide, with around 200 million cattle, pigs and poultry, which all have a big influence on the manure production.

But not only animal husbandry is affected. The cultivation of energy plants such as Silomais, which is used for biogas production, also requires large amounts of fertilizer. The biogas plants in particular contribute to increasing nutrient surpluses in many regions. This not only has an impact on the groundwater, but also damages the environment as a whole by driving the eutrophication of waters.

The demands of the environmental associations

The situation has already led to an outcry: the BUND nature conservation demands an expansion of the water protection area in order to restrict the manure extension. It is also suggested to couple funding for environmental and animal welfare services. However, the farmers' association in the Unterallgäu is skeptical about the demands of nature conservation. He argues that environmental friendliness cannot be measured solely on the size of the company and warns of possible economic dangers for smaller companies through new requirements.

At the same time, the farmers' association signals willingness to talk and is open to changes in fertilization if this serves to protect drinking water protection. This is particularly important, since 25.6 percent of the measuring points already have increased nitrate concentrations according to the nitrate report 2024 of the Federal Environment Ministry.

action is given

The reports clearly state that there is a need for action. Most groundwater deposits in Germany are in poor condition, which not only makes preparation difficult, but also expensive. Measures to reduce the nitrate pollution could result in additional costs for consumers, since water suppliers are forced to implement complex procedures for cleaning the drinking water.

In burdened areas, farmers have to reduce fertilization by up to a fifth and apply methods such as interim crops or plowless soil processing in order to reduce nitrogen losses. It is important to master these challenges in order to be able to secure drinking water quality in the long term.

The future of drinking water in the Unterallgäu lies in the hands of politics and administration, which are required to find suitable solutions. A responsible handling of agricultural practices and close cooperation between environmentalists and agriculture are essential to manage this threatening situation together.