Why filter and purify water in Switzerland? A response to water scandals and the NOVAPURE solution

1. Dioxin Contamination in Lausanne (2021) : In 2021, a chance discovery revealed massive soil contamination in Lausanne and three surrounding municipalities, linked to the former Vallon incineration plant, which closed in 2005. Dioxins, highly toxic persistent organic pollutants, were detected in the groundwater supplying drinking water in some areas. Although authorities claimed that tap water remained compliant, concerns persisted about long-term exposure via water and locally grown food. Dioxins are linked to risks of cancer, hormonal disorders, and damage to the immune system.
2. PFAS (Perennial Pollutant) Contamination : In 2024, an RTS study revealed that 43% of tap water samples in France contained per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), persistent chemical compounds linked to health risks, including hormonal disorders and potential cancers. In Switzerland, analyses have also detected PFAS in groundwater, which makes up 80% of the country's drinking water. Although concentrations are often below legal thresholds, their presence calls into question the long-term quality of tap water.
3. Pesticides and metabolites : In 2020, tests conducted by RTS detected traces of pesticides, such as atrazine, in the tap water of certain Swiss municipalities, notably in Dombresson, where levels exceeded tolerance standards (114 ng/L compared to a limit of 100 ng/L). These pollutants, resulting from intensive agriculture, highlight the vulnerability of water sources.
4. Bacterial contamination : In 1998, in La Neuveville (Bern), 1,400 m³ of wastewater containing fecal bacteria contaminated the groundwater, making tap water unfit for consumption. More recently, similar incidents have been reported in municipalities in Vaud and Fribourg, such as Payerne and Belfaux, where coliform bacteria, including Escherichia coli, were detected. In 2017, in Bramois (Valais), contamination by fecal bacteria affected 5,000 residents, leading to water usage restrictions for several weeks.
5. Drug residues and nitrates : Tests have revealed the presence of drug residues (e.g., ibuprofen, diclofenac) and nitrates in tap water, particularly in agricultural areas. These pollutants, which are difficult to remove with conventional treatments, can have long-term health effects.
6. Chlorothalonil contamination : In 2019, chlorothalonil, a widely used fungicide in agriculture, was banned in Switzerland after its metabolites were detected in groundwater in several cantons, particularly in the Swiss Plateau. These metabolites, classified as "probably carcinogenic" by the WHO, led to the temporary closure of water intakes in municipalities such as those in the canton of Solothurn.
7. Mercury and heavy metal pollution : In 2015, traces of mercury were detected in the Rhine near Basel, due to historical industrial discharges. This incident served as a reminder that heavy metals can persist in aquatic ecosystems and contaminate drinking water sources.
8. Fluoride in drinking water : Although fluoride is sometimes added to drinking water in some regions to prevent tooth decay, recent studies have raised concerns about its accumulation in the body. In Switzerland, although water fluoridation is rare (except in some regions such as Basel until 2003), natural traces of fluoride may be present in groundwater, posing potential risks with prolonged exposure.

1. Presence of chemical pollutants : In 2013, a study by Doctors for the Environment (MfE) and Pingwin Planet revealed that seven out of ten mineral waters tested in Switzerland contained hormone disruptors, neurotoxic substances, or fragrance additives. Only three brands were free of foreign matter, while the Bernese tap water tested was found to be purer.
2. Microplastics and nanoplastics : A 2024 U.S. study detected up to 240,000 micro- and nanoplastic fragments per liter in some bottled water, including brands sold in Switzerland. These particles, from PET bottles, can carry harmful substances and pose health risks.
3. Illegal Treatments : In 2024, a joint investigation by Le Monde and Radio France revealed that manufacturers, including Nestlé Waters (owner of Henniez), were using prohibited treatments such as activated carbon filtration, iron sulfate injection, and microfiltration to mask bacterial or chemical contamination in their mineral waters. These practices undermined confidence in the "natural purity" of bottled water.
4. Toxin contamination : In 2006, Valser mineral water bottles were recalled after traces of bromate, a potentially carcinogenic compound formed during water disinfection, were detected. This incident highlighted the risks associated with bottled water treatment processes.
5. Environmental pollution : The bottled water industry generates massive pollution, with 600 billion bottles produced in 2021, 85% of which are not recycled. In Switzerland, Nestlé, the world leader, has been criticized for its role in this plastic pollution and for the controversial exploitation of water sources.

• Sediment Pre-Filtration : Removes solid particles such as sand, rust or debris.
• Activated Carbon Filtration : Adsorbs chlorine, pesticides, drug residues and odors, improving the taste of water.
• Reverse Osmosis : Uses an ultra-thin membrane (0.0001 μm) to remove 98-99% of pollutants, including dioxins, PFAS, fluoride, heavy metals and nitrates.
• Carbon Post-Filtration : “Polishes” the outgoing water to ensure optimal flavor and maximum purity.
• Sterilization by UV Lamp : Eliminates up to 99.99% of bacteria, viruses and other pathogenic microorganisms present in water. Ultraviolet light provides powerful disinfection without the addition of chemicals, ensuring microbiologically safe water   

• Proven Effectiveness : Five-stage filtration that removes 98-99% of pollutants, including dioxins, PFAS, fluoride and chlorothalonil metabolites, not found in conventional systems like gravity filters.
• Protection for the most vulnerable : NOVAPURE systems, certified by international NSF/ANSI standards, are particularly essential for infants, the elderly, the sick, and pets, whose fragile immune systems are more sensitive to pollutants such as dioxins, PFAS, fluoride, or drug residues. For example, giving unfiltered tap water to aquarium fish could be fatal, due to the presence of chlorine, heavy metals, fluoride, or chemical contaminants that disrupt their biological balance. NOVAPURE guarantees pure water, suitable for all members of the household, including the most vulnerable.
• Convenience : Installation-free appliances for immediate use or under-sink systems for discreet integration.
• Ecology : Reduces dependence on plastic bottles, helping to limit the 25 million tonnes of PET waste produced annually.
• Health and pleasure : Pure, pleasant-tasting water that encourages optimal hydration without fear of pollutants.