[Hygiene problems with mineral and table waters]

The article describes the definitions of mineral water, water from natural sources, and table water as laid down by Federal German legislation. The microbiological limit or guiding values are discussed and compared with the results obtained by the Land Bureau of Medical Testing in Baden-Württemberg. Results of the examinations show not only the chemical hazards but also the microbiological ones to which mineral water sources are exposed--which, by the way, are not surrounded by protected areas (a few rare cases excepted) and are thus greatly in danger of noxious contamination. To this are added microbiological contaminations due to inadequate hygiene during recovery and filling. The weak points are pinpointed. The problems facing the controlling authorities are pointed out, and so are instances where limit values have been exceeded. Attention is drawn to the urgent need for protecting natural mineral water sources.