One-third of drinking water supplies contain high levels of PFAS

A study conducted by Greenpeace has revealed that one-third of Dutch residents are exposed to high levels of PFAS, commonly known as "forever chemicals," in their drinking water. PFAS levels exceed recommended safe limits by at least 1.5 times in 32% of the country's postcode areas. Environmental inspection agency ILT attributes this increase to the growing use of trifluoroacetic acid in pesticides, particularly in potato farming, which has nearly doubled in two years.

This chemical contributes to two tonnes of contamination in water supplies annually. The provinces of Noord-Holland, Zuid-Holland, and Zeeland exhibit the highest concentrations, with towns such as Zaandam, Purmerend, and IJmuiden recording 14.3 nanograms per litre. PFAS is a group of stable chemicals used in various products, including packaging, liquid chemicals, and non-stick cookware.

They are durable but pose health risks, including cancer, immune system issues, low fertility, and harm to unborn babies. RIVM's recent study indicates that almost everyone in the Netherlands has unhealthy PFAS levels in their blood. Greenpeace has created an online tool displaying PFAS levels in local water supplies, allowing citizens to assess pollution in their area.

The Dutch drinking water suppliers' association, Vewin, notes that northern provinces like Drenthe, Friesland, and Groningen have almost no PFAS in their water, while western regions rely on more polluted surface water sources. Despite not surpassing European Union legal limits, water supplies remain significantly above the RIVM's advisory limit of 4.4 nanograms.

Germany, the Netherlands, and Scandinavian nations have been advocating for a complete ban on PFAS in pesticides within the EU since February 2023.