Werne garden wells show high nitrate levels exceeding EU limits

Water samples from private garden wells in Werne and the surrounding area have revealed high nitrate levels, with one in eight samples exceeding the European Union's limit. The findings were released by the association VSR-Gewässerschutz e. V. following a testing initiative where 33 citizens provided water samples for analysis.

Project coordinator Harald Gülzow stated that the results show no improvement in nitrate pollution levels. The association criticized existing fertilization legislation, arguing that frequent changes to agricultural regulations have failed to effectively reduce nitrogen input into the groundwater. VSR-Gewässerschutz is calling for more effective, combined agricultural measures and greater planning security for farms to help lower nitrate concentrations sustainably.