German tests highlight health risks in popular bottled water

Health experts note that while water is generally sufficient for hydration, alternatives such as milk and electrolyte‑rich drinks can improve fluid absorption. Professor Ron Maughan of the University of St Andrews explains that milk’s natural salts and lactose help the body retain water more effectively than plain water alone.

A recent Öko‑Test analysis of 53 still mineral waters in Germany found that two supermarket private‑label brands – “Gut & Günstig Natürliches Mineralwasser Still” (Edeka) and “Naturalis Natürliches Mineralwasser Still” (Netto) – contained elevated levels of hexavalent chromium, a carcinogenic substance under EU regulations. The test also detected trace amounts of PFAS chemicals in several bottles, with seven products exceeding the future EU limit set for 2026. While the measured levels were not deemed an immediate health danger, long‑term consumption could pose a risk, prompting a downgrade of the affected products.