zum Hauptmenü zum Seiteninhalt zur Subnavigation zum Footermenü zur Suchfunktion zu den Hinweisen der Barrierefreiheit


Water contamination in Möglingen: No health risk

The contaminated drinking water in Möglingen did not pose a health risk at any time. This was the final result of the water sample that was taken immediately after the contaminated water became known on April 2, 2026. On this day, the health department of the Ludwigsburg district office had to prohibit the citizens of Möglingen from using the drinking water. This affected the so-called high zone of Möglingen and thus specifically named streets. Immediately after the contamination was discovered, the water supply was switched, the pipes were flushed and the population was immediately warned. Samples of the flushed water were then taken several times on Friday and Saturday until the all-clear could finally be given.

Water was mainly affected by the odor

The all-clear has now been given for citizens who drank the contaminated water before the health authorities issued their urgent warning. Even if this was several liters, their health was not endangered. Rather, the impairment was mainly of an odorous nature. This is the conclusion reached by the Chemical and Veterinary Investigation Office in Freiburg, which examined the first sample of the contaminated water and delivered its findings today, Friday, April 10.

Measures taken were aimed at protection

Nevertheless, the measures taken were essential, as it was unclear what substances the water was contaminated with and whether these could cause any damage to health. The specialist authorities had made the appropriate recommendations to prevent adverse health effects.

The specific measurement results of the water sample taken from the water tower on April 2, 2026

Toluene: 1.1 µg/l

m- and p-xylene: 1.2 µg/l

o-xylene: 0.62 µg/l

Total trihalomethanes: 9.6 µg/l

Explanation of the substances detected

There are no statutory limits for toluene and xylene in the Drinking Water Ordinance. The limit value for benzene, which is significantly more harmful to health, is used to assess the concentrations. This limit value is designed for a lifelong consumption of 2 liters of drinking water per day. The limit value for benzene according to the Drinking Water Ordinance is 1 µg/l. This limit value may be exceeded according to the recommendation "Dealing with deviations according to the Drinking Water Ordinance" and may be up to 20 µg/l as long as this does not occur for more than 3 years.

At 9.6 µg/l, the sum of trihalomethanes was below the limit value of 50 µg/l. These substances are formed when the water, as in this case the water from the Lake Constance water supply, is chlorinated and the chlorine in the disinfectant reacts with organic substances.

Further information on toluene and xylene

Toluene and xylene are highly volatile substances. They can be found in petrol and DIY products containing toluene/xylene. Through contact with these substances, people absorb toluene and xylene primarily by inhalation, i.e. by breathing. The odor threshold of both substances is significantly lower than the concentrations above which a harmful effect on health has been observed.

back