Water Quality in the Canton of Bern
According to the city of Bern, drinking water is regularly tested. Nevertheless, there have been reports of poor water quality in the canton of Bern in the past.
✪ One would expect excellent water quality in the canton of Bern, given that the water is sourced from the Aare and Emmental regions, where it makes its way to the cities and municipalities. In the city of Bern, drinking water is regularly tested, but there have been recent instances where the limits for pesticides in drinking water were exceeded. The positive water analysis of the canton of Bern affects more than 50 municipalities, causing increasing concern among the population.
What about the water quality in the canton of Bern?
Water is our most precious resource, on which we depend daily. We use it not only for washing, showering, and brushing our teeth but also for cooking and drinking. It is no wonder that many consumers occasionally question the quality of the water in the canton of Bern that comes from their taps every day.
Not long ago, the water quality in the canton of Bern was called into question by a water analysis, as the limits for chlorothalonil were exceeded in over 50 municipalities in Bern. This pesticide was used in agriculture at the time. Apparently, residues of the carcinogenic substance managed to enter the drinking water.
✪ According to the canton, the population of the canton of Bern should not be worried, but the recent results understandably cause concern.
Where does the drinking water in the canton of Bern come from?
The water in the canton of Bern is sourced from
- 40% natural springs,
- 40% groundwater,
- 20% surface water
and is carefully treated. The drinking water in the canton of Bern is sourced from three main catchment areas. These regions include:
- Aeschau (Emmental)
- Kiesen (Aare valley)
- Belpau (Aare valley)
The composition of the water and the water hardness in the canton of Bern can vary depending on
- the season,
- soil composition, and
- water volume
For this reason, the water hardness in the canton of Bern can fluctuate significantly, but it is generally expected to range between 20 to 30 °fH and 11-17 °dH. This means that the water in these regions is moderately to quite hard.
Why can a water analysis be useful?
Regarding the quality of their drinking water, more and more people are skeptical about whether they can still use it for drinking and brushing their teeth. Did you know that you can have your drinking water tested in an independent laboratory? This analysis is not very expensive and can provide you with detailed information about the water quality in your community.
Currently, more and more people in the canton of Bern are having such an analysis of their drinking water conducted – especially if there are babies, children, or elderly people in the household. The drinking water analysis is presented in an easy-to-understand manner so that you can understand the results even without prior knowledge. The water analysis can provide information not only about pesticides but also about
- heavy metals,
- bacteria, and
- pesticides and other contaminants
as well.
Conclusion: Water analyses can be beneficial
Even though the water in the canton of Bern is supposed to be of good quality, many people are still concerned because past water analyses have shown the opposite. For this reason, more and more private water analyses are being conducted to test the quality and constituents of the water.