Germany manages its wastewater much like other developed countries do: it collects liquid materials in a system, which are then discharged into treatment facilities. These facilities treat just under 11 billion cubic metres of wastewater every year, 98% of which goes through a biological treatment process that involves targeted elimination.
Full Answer
What's new in wastewater treatment in Germany?
Modern German wastewater innovations were developed in the late 20th century. Today, Horn and his team want to improve these existing treatment methods. They are experimenting with the two different types of biological treatments of wastewater. "One is done with oxygen or with air – called 'aerobic,'" Horn explained.
How does Germany deal with water pollution?
The German government implemented water protection procedures such as water waste charges, the preservation of natural habitats and laws to penalize water pollution. Germany has an abundance of fresh water; 2.2 percent of the country’s surface area is covered by 11 predominant rivers, 291 dams, and other natural lakes.
What is the cost of water in Germany?
Taking into account these differences, the cost of supplying water at an equalized service level would be 84 euros in Germany, 106 euro in both France and England/Wales, and 74 euro in Italy. The apparent discrepancy between higher unit tariffs and lower bills is due to the lower water consumption in Germany.
Is water a scarce resource in Germany?
Water is not scarce in Germany, except for occasional localized droughts. Public water utilities extract only 3 percent of total renewable water resources in Germany, or 5.4 billion cubic metres out of 182 billion cubic metres annually. Bank filtration plant in Mainz, Germany.
How does Germany treat their water?
Germany is the European country with the highest waste water reprocessing and recycling rate. More than 96 per cent of the waste water from private households or public facilities is discharged into nearby sewage treatment plants for processing.
Does Germany chlorinate their water?
Italy and Germany use ozone or chlorine dioxide as a primary oxidant and disinfectant. Chlorine is added for residual disinfection. Great Britain is one of few European countries that use chloramines for residual disinfection in the distribution network and for the removal of disinfection byproducts.
How do Germans save water in Germany?
Germany. A cycle that makes good sense: over 96 percent of waste water from private households and public institutions in Germany is channelled to sewage treatment plants for purification. No other European country treats as much waste water for reuse.
How does water treatment works?
These filters remove dissolved particles and germs, such as dust, chemicals, parasites, bacteria, and viruses. Activated carbon filters also remove any bad odors. Water treatment plants can use a process called ultrafiltration in addition to or instead of traditional filtration.
How clean is German tap water?
The quality of drinking water in Germany is good or very good. It is regularly monitored at short intervals and complies with the stringent quality requirements of the Drinking Water Ordinance.
Which country has cleanest water?
Switzerland1) Switzerland Switzerland is repeatedly recognized as a country with the best quality tap water in the world. The country has strict water treatment standards and superior natural resources with an average rainfall per year of 60.5 inches. In fact, 80% of the drinking water comes from natural springs and groundwater.
Does Germany have access to clean water?
Access to safe water and adequate sanitation in Germany is universal. More than 99 percent of users are connected to a public water supply system. The remainder is served by private wells. 93 percent of users are connected to sewers.
Does Germany have clean water?
Yes, tap water is safe and the most controlled beverage/food product in Germany. Many German cities including Berlin and Munich brag about the quality of their tap water which often comes from the same source as mineral water.
How does Germany get its water?
Most drinking water in Germany — more than 70% of it — is sourced from groundwater. But Jörg Rechenberg, head of the Water and Soil Division at the Federal Environment Agency (UBA), says it's difficult to draw a direct connection between the state of groundwater levels and the dryness of the soil.
What are the 7 stages of water treatment?
They typically consist of several steps in the treatment process. These include: (1) Collection ; (2) Screening and Straining ; (3) Chemical Addition ; (4) Coagulation and Flocculation ; (5) Sedimentation and Clarification ; (6) Filtration ; (7) Disinfection ; (8) Storage ; (9) and finally Distribution.
How does water get cleaned?
1:025:24Water such as water that comes from rivers streams and lakes the remaining 36 percent of fresh waterMoreWater such as water that comes from rivers streams and lakes the remaining 36 percent of fresh water comes from groundwater. This originates in aquifers. These underground reservoirs develop when the
What are the 4 stages of wastewater treatment?
4-Step Wastewater Sludge Treatment ProcessStep 1 – Sludge Thickening. The first step in the sewage sludge treatment plan is called thickening. ... Step 2 – Sludge Digestion. After amassing all the solids from the sewage sludge begins the sludge digestion process. ... Step 3 – Dewatering. ... Step 4 – Disposal.
Is German tap water okay to drink?
Yes, tap water is safe and the most controlled beverage/food product in Germany. Many German cities including Berlin and Munich brag about the quality of their tap water which often comes from the same source as mineral water.
Does Germany have good water?
According to the Environment Ministry, water in Germany “is of excellent quality and is one of the most strictly controlled food products”. There can be differences depending on where you live, though. In Berlin, for instance, the water is hard and you can get a lot of limescale around your kettle.
Does Germany have hard or soft water?
Berlin's water is very rich in minerals and, therefore, has an average hardness of 14 to 25 °dH. According to the scale of the regulations on detergents and cleaning agents (WRMG), Berlin's drinking water is considered to be "medium hard to hard".
Is it safe to drink tap water in Cologne Germany?
👍 In general, the water may be safe to drink in Cologne.
How much water does Germany have?
Germany has an abundance of fresh water; 2.2 percent of the country’s surface area is covered by 11 predominant rivers, 291 dams, and other natural lakes. Approximately 11.7 percent of the fresh water is assigned to drinking water protection.
How does water inflation affect Germany?
As the water quality in Germany increases, the cost of tap water rises as well. A solution to water inflation is the re-use of wastewater, also known as water recycling. By reusing processed water, the required heating and cooling energy are lowered, saving energy and money. Recycling water also reduces the cost and effort needed to filter ...
What is the DWD guidelines?
The DWD guidelines include parameters that must be fulfilled to assess drinking water quality. Currently, the German Association of Energy and Water Industries (BDEW), represents 80 percent of drinking water production and 60 percent of wastewater disposal in Germany. BDEW supports sustainable energy, the protection of water supply ...
What is the largest wastewater treatment plant in Germany?
Germany's largest wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) "Köhlbrandhöft / Dradenau" processes the wastewater of almost two million people and the industry of Europe's third biggest seaport. Operated by Hamburg Wasser with an electricity demand of 80 MWh p.a. it is still one of the biggest public energy consumers in the city.
What is digester gas used for?
Using digester gas for electricity generation has become a general standard solution for wastewater treatment plants. In Hamburg this is also integrated in the VERA. Digester gas is combusted in a gas turbine of 5 MW and a gas engine of 2 MW rated power. The exhaust waste heat is then again used for steam production, feeding the same steam turbine as the sludge incineration. This combination leads to a very high electrical efficiency of 42%.
How much water technology did Germany export in 2011?
The German Engineering Federation has also reported that the nation exported nearly 800 million euros ($1.1 billion) worth of water and wastewater technology in 2011. This accounts for 33 percent of the EU export market. Much of this technology has been tailored to Germany's climate, water quality and water management policies.
Which country leads the way in wastewater technology?
Germany leads the way in wastewater technology. Solutions for a thirsty planet. Report warns of Asian water security risk. Peru battles to bring water to a dry capital. Germany leads the way in wastewater technology. Germans help preserve beauty of Ha Long Bay. A last ditch effort to rescue the River Jordan.
How many people don't have access to water in Peru?
Peru battles to bring water to a dry capital. Close to one million people don't have access to safe drinking water in Lima. The government is trying to bring water to the slums. But it's a battle against climate change and migration. (17.12.2012)
Is treating sewage expensive?
Treating sewage is often expensive and difficult in developing countries . Researchers are trying to develop new models to accommodate these regions of the world, but major problems remain. Over the last decade Germany has not only invested in domestic production of sewage systems, but it has also become an exporter of sewage technology.
Is upgrading a city's sewage system expensive?
Not only does it require a city to purchase a modern sewage facility, but infrastructure also needs to be upgraded in order to collect wastewater. In Germany and other European countries, most of the money spent on wastewater treatment is invested in designing and building systems for wastewater ...
Is wastewater treatment sustainable?
Efficient wastewater treatment technologies can be inexpensive and sustainable. Eva Gilbert, one of Horn's students, is trying to fine-tune both the aerobic and anaerobic methods in the hopes of making them energy efficient, inexpensive and adaptable to different climates.
1. Regulatory law
Regulatory law stipulates that water bodies in Germany are subject to state management. Citizens and authorities are obliged to use water responsibly. The most important federal law is the Federal Water Act (Wasserhaushaltsgesetz, WHG, in German), originally adopted in 1957. A substantially revised version entered into force in March 2010.
2. Law on water charges
According to the federal Waste Water Charges Act ( Abwasserabgabengesetz, AbwAG) and supplementary provisions of the Länder, charges must be paid for the discharge of waste water containing certain contaminants into water bodies.
3. Law on substances
There are a number of laws and regulations which protect water resources from harmful substances.
4. Liability and criminal law
Anyone who pollutes a water body and causes harm to another person must pay compensation. This is a general rule under civil liability law. Where the damage poses a threat to the environment, additional obligations to compensate apply under the Federal Water Act (section 22) or under the Environmental Liability Act (in German).
How does Germany's wastewater management benefit its businesses?
Germany has long been renowned as a leader in wastewater management – and it’s easy see why. Its system doesn’t just sanitise and keep water clean; it ensures minimum waste, benefiting individuals and households alike. And unsurprisingly, it’s helping companies to keep industrial waste ...
What does wastewater management have to do with German businesses?
So, what exactly does wastewater management have to do with German businesses? A great deal, as it turns out. As you may already, water that comes from homes tends to be easier to recycle than that from industries. Water used by restaurants, for example, is notoriously difficult to recycle.
What does Germany do for the environment?
What it does for Germany. When it comes to environmental protection, Germany already has an excellent reputation. Its commitment to lowering single-plastic usage , for example, is highly admirable. But it’s the country’s water waste management system that has arguably reaped the most positive outcome for the planet and its people.
Why is it so hard to recycle water?
Water used by restaurants, for example, is notoriously difficult to recycle. This is because typically, it holds more organic materials – like oil – than water used within homes. Luckily, Germany’s wastewater management system has been designed to efficiently handle all types of used water.
Is Germany a global leader in wastewater management?
With a hugely effective wastewater management process, Germany is likely to maintain its title as a global environmental leader.
Is wastewater management simple?
While its title may not suggest it, wastewater management is fairly simple – so long as it’s expertly-engineered. Germany’s management system is exceptional in both performance and design, which of course brings advantages for the country, the planet and its people.