Domestic Drinking Water at the Top Across Europe
"Our water is clean, safe, and strictly controlled. This is a silent but essential contribution to the health of the population," said State Secretary Ulrike Königsberger-Ludwig regarding the results of the Drinking Water Report 2024. The high water quality is based on a comprehensive control system. The drinking water is regularly examined from the source to the point of extraction, both through internal controls by water suppliers and through official inspections. Additionally, annual focus actions are conducted on topics such as pesticides, heavy metals, or microbiological parameters.
How Domestic Drinking Water is Controlled
Water supply companies that provide more than 50 people or over 10 cubic meters of water daily must regularly have their water quality tested. The operators are required to continuously conduct so-called self-checks, where samples are taken and examined in accredited laboratories. In addition, the authorities carry out unannounced official inspections according to a nationwide uniform monitoring plan. For specific topics such as PFAS or pesticides, targeted focus investigations are also conducted. All collected data is fed into a central reporting system, scientifically analyzed, and forms the basis for the current report.
Protection of Austria's Drinking Water Begins at the Source
For the first time, the report presents a new project that represents a significant step towards prevention: In the future, the areas around water sources - so-called catchment areas - will be systematically examined for risks. This involves questions of whether pollutants such as pesticides or chemicals could penetrate the groundwater. The Ministry of Social Affairs, in collaboration with the federal states, AGES, and the Environment Agency, has initiated a multi-year project. The goal is to identify potential dangers early and take targeted countermeasures before the water reaches the pipes. This way, Austria's drinking water resources should be protected even more effectively, and problems like those caused by PFAS can be proactively avoided. The Drinking Water Report 2024 is available here.
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