Per capita consumption of water in Germany 2012-2022

Germans consumed around 123 liters of drinking water per capita in 2021. This was a decrease compared to the year before, though levels fluctuated during the specified time period. In the context of this statistic, water consumption includes mineral, medicinal, spring and bottled water.

Consumption options

Water is indispensable in daily consumption, whether consumers drink it on its own or use it to make other drinks and cook food. Some households regularly buy bottled water in bulk, with several crates stocked at home. The (plastic or glass) bottles and crates include a deposit fee, which can later be claimed upon returning both at the supermarket. While recycling is key in sustainable consumption, due to the consumer effort and spending involved in buying water this way, some households, and businesses too, are considering other options. One of these is attaching a water filter right to the water tap in the kitchen or getting a jug with a filter. Then again, some consumers simply drink water straight from the tap.

Still or sparkling?

Germans are known for having very definite preferences where drinking water is concerned. Based on recent consumer surveys, the majority preferred carbonated, or fizzy water, with varying fizz intensity levels. However, consumption has been slowly decreasing in recent years.