Bottled Water: Contaminants & PFAS – Öko-Test Report

A new laboratory analysis by the German magazine Öko-Test revealed the presence of contaminants in bottled water. Out of 53 products tested, 21 contained hexavalent chromium (Chrom VI), arsenic, nitrates, and traces of PFAS.

Hexavalent chromium, detected in 11 samples, is considered potentially carcinogenic. Arsenic concentrations were also found near regulatory limits, and nitrate levels were high in water intended for infants. Increased microbial loads and trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), a PFAS, were also detected in many samples.

Only 30 of the 53 waters received the highest rating, mainly those in glass bottles. European legislation requires increased use of recycled plastic by 2040.