Science & Technology

German Brewers Warn Fracking Could Harm Beer Quality

Potential water pollution would impact "purity" laws

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German brewers have warned Chancellor Angela Merkel's government that any law allowing the controversial drilling technique known as fracking could damage the country's cherished beer industry.

The Brauer-Bund beer association is worried that fracking for shale gas, which involves pumping water and chemicals at high pressure into the ground, could pollute water used for brewing and break a 500-year-old industry rule on water purity.

Germany, home to Munich's annual Oktoberfest—the world's biggest folk festival which attracts around 7 million visitors—has a proud tradition of brewing and beer drinking.

(Hat tip to Reason commenter Lord Humungus)