Potentially carcinogenic substance found in Zehdenick drinking water

Residents of Zehdenick in the Oberhavel district of Brandenburg have been issued a warning: the local drinking water is not safe for consumption due to elevated levels of bromate. The substance, identified as a salt of bromic acid, is considered potentially carcinogenic by health authorities.

The warning, effective until further notice, restricts the water's use solely to personal hygiene and cleaning purposes. Drinking, preparing food and beverages, cooking, and washing or rinsing food with the tap water is prohibited. Special care must be taken to prevent infants and young children from swallowing water while bathing or showering.

Local utility companies have informed kindergartens and schools to ensure no tap water is consumed as a precautionary measure. They stated there is no immediate cause for concern and that they are collaborating with the health department to determine the necessary next steps. This marks the first time an elevated bromate level has been measured in the area.

Stadtwerke Zehdenick indicated that bromate typically forms during water treatment using ozone. However, they noted that this process is not currently employed at their waterworks. Investigations are underway to understand how the elevated levels occurred, with additional laboratories tasked with verification. Further tests are being conducted to pinpoint the exact cause of the contamination.