Above-average levels of nitrate in Saxony's groundwater

Although nitrate levels in Saxony's groundwater are slowly decreasing compared to values from 15 years ago, they are still above average in a nationwide comparison. This was announced by the State Statistical Office on Environment Day on June 5.

According to the latest figures from 2023, 18 percent of the 49 measuring points of the European Environment Agency (EEA) in Bavaria did not comply with the limit values for nitrate of 50 milligrams per liter. In comparison: nationwide, the figure is slightly lower at 15 percent.

This becomes even clearer when you look at the tighter limit of 25 milligrams per liter. Above this value, it can be assumed that there is human-induced contamination of the groundwater. The scientists found elevated levels at 39 per cent of the measuring points in Saxony, compared to 33 per cent nationwide.

Agriculture uses nitrates as fertilizer

Nitrate is an important nutrient for plants. In agriculture, it is used as a mineral fertilizer or in the form of liquid manure to increase plant growth. In many regions of Germany, the groundwater is too heavily polluted due to the input of fertilizer from agriculture. Nitrates can affect human health under certain conditions.