Denmark's Minister of Environment and Gender Equality, Magnus Heunicke, has expressed intentions to reduce the permissible nitrate level in drinking water from 50 milligrams to 6 milligrams per liter. This decision follows a recommendation from an expert group established by the Ministry of Environment, which argues that such a change could lead to the prevention of 50 to 70 cases of colorectal cancer annually in Denmark. Heunicke has emphasized the importance of adhering to the group's recommendations, labeling the situation as an 'urgent matter.'

The expert group presented their recommendations in December 2025, highlighting that 215 waterworks across the country have been detected with an average nitrate concentration exceeding 6 milligrams per liter over a three-year period. The industry organizations Danva and Danish Waterworks have asserted that implementing a new limit of 6 milligrams per liter will impact about 10% of the overall public drinking water supply in Denmark. This situation underscores a significant public health consideration regarding the quality of drinking water and its direct implications on cancer prevention.

Should the minister's proposal be adopted, it is expected to trigger substantial changes across the Danish water supply sector, requiring adjustments in how water is treated and regulated. This move could set a precedent for stricter water quality standards globally, drawing more attention to environmental health issues and emphasizing the need for proactive measures to safeguard public health. The commitment to lowering nitrate levels reflects a growing recognition of the links between environmental factors and health outcomes, reinforcing the importance of policy decisions that prioritize citizens' wellbeing.