Groundwater in Danish capital at risk of contamination

Capital Region prefers to remove water pollutants from less densely-populated areas

Lucie Rychla

Groundwater in Copenhagen and Frederiksberg may be at risk of contamination, claim the two municipalities.

The Capital Region has decided to bypass the two municipalities in their effort to rid the region of pollutants from old factories, gas stations and laundries, reports Ingeniøren newspaper.

Over the next 10 years, these pollutants may be absorbed into the soil and contaminate groundwater, the municipalities contend.

Too expensive
The Capital Region says Copenhagen and Frederiksberg are the most densely populated municipalities in the region and removing the potential sources of pollution would be too expensive.

According to the environment and transport committee in the Capital Region, it would cost 20 times more to clean Frederiksberg alone than west Zealand and it has decided to start the remediation process in low-cost areas in order to secure as much groundwater as quickly as possible.

READ MORE: Less fertiliser has benefited Denmark’s groundwater

Drinking water
According to the Capital Region, it takes about 20-40 years for a raindrop to seep into the groundwater, but many of the pollutants that the region is aware of, are already 30-40 years old.

Both municipalities have officially complained to the Capital Region and are hoping that the two cities will be prioritised.

“In worst case, we would have to get drinking water from somewhere else”, said Jan Jørgensen, the chairman of the committee for urbanisation and environment at the Frederiksberg Municipality.

Hansen noted that getting drinking water from elsewhere would have significant environmental and economic consequences.

TOP STORIES

  • Nørrebro: A battle between identities

    Nørrebro: A battle between identities

    Nørrebro is a cornerstone of the city of Copenhagen. However, while it continues to be a popular hang out spot for young and old alike, the neighborhood is in the middle of a transformation from the old working class population, to a younger and more economically stable clientele. This fact raises concern among native Nørrebro-citizens.

  • Copenhagen celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with a grand 20th anniversary parade

    Copenhagen celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with a grand 20th anniversary parade

    The Irish Culture Association Denmark (ICAD) is celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Copenhagen on March 16, 2025, with a parade marking its 20th anniversary. Supported by the Irish Embassy, the event will feature Irish music, dance, sports, and cultural displays, bringing the spirit of Ireland to Denmark.

  • Trump: Greenlandic annexation “will happen.” Greenlandic PM: “Enough is enough”

    Trump: Greenlandic annexation “will happen.” Greenlandic PM: “Enough is enough”

    Yesterday, the President of the United States made some of the strongest statements about Greenland he has ever made during the press conference with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

  • Copenhagen revisited through memoir poetry

    Copenhagen revisited through memoir poetry

    Not all students feel like reading Danish poetry after a meeting at a language school with writer and poet Henrik Palle. Yet, a portrayal of Copenhagen as the city once was and the impressions of what the city is today give a deeper impression of the Danes

  • A book to make Danish idioms easier to understand

    A book to make Danish idioms easier to understand

    It’s difficult to learn Danish, especially with idioms that have figurative meanings. It highlights Christiane Bjørg Nielsen’s book, See What You Say, which serves as a visual guide to understanding these idiomatic expressions in Danish.

  • Raise the voice of internationals. Take the survey and share your experience in Denmark.

    Raise the voice of internationals. Take the survey and share your experience in Denmark.

    Copenhagen Capacity has launched a survey for all internationals living in Denmark to find out if they are happy here and what challenges they face. The Copenhagen Post is the media partner for this initiative. You can find the survey below in the article.

Connect club

Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.

Sign up here

Career

  • Copenhagen ranked 4th for career growth

    Copenhagen ranked 4th for career growth

    Copenhagen is ranked as the fourth-best city in the world for career growth, according to an analysis by EnjoyTravel. This ranking considers various factors such as living costs, salary levels, workforce availability, and overall quality of life. Copenhagen is noted for its blend of historical and modern elements, particularly in the green energy sector, which influences job opportunities.

  • Data shows that non-Western immigrants have saved local economies in Denmark

    Data shows that non-Western immigrants have saved local economies in Denmark

    A study reveals how only the massive influx of non-Western immigrants has saved many areas in Denmark from a decline in the workforce and a consequently shrinking economy

  • Long-term unemployment is double for non-Western immigrants

    Long-term unemployment is double for non-Western immigrants

    An analysis from the Labour Movement’s Business Council shows that the rate in long-term unemployment for non-Western immigrants is 1.8 times higher than for Danes. In other words, a chronic unemployment situation is way more probable for non-Western internationals.

Want to advertise your job with CPH Post?

Contact us

Jobs