Overview

• Over half of the 53 still mineral waters tested earned “very good” ratings, led by Adelholzener Naturell, Saskia (Lidl) and Quellbrunn (Aldi).
• Two supermarket own brands—Gut & Günstig (Edeka) and Naturalis (Netto)—failed due to elevated Chromium VI and received “ungenügend” grades.
• Trifluoroacetic acid, a persistent PFAS compound, appeared in nearly all samples and exceeded the EU’s forthcoming 2026 limit in seven cases.
• Additional samples contained arsenic, nitrates, pesticide residues or microbial counts above legal thresholds, raising concerns for sensitive consumers.
• Germany’s tap water remains the most strictly regulated and cost-effective option at about 0.3 to 0.5 cents per liter.