Tap water in large parts of North and South Holland contains more PFAS than recommended by the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM). That is the conclusion reached by Greenpeace following an analysis of data from the ten Dutch drinking water companies. Particularly in North Holland, high PFAS levels were found.
PFAS is a collective term for thousands of man-made chemical substances. They are mainly used because they repel water, grease, and dirt, for example in non-stick pans, food packaging, clothing, and firefighting foam.
PFAS enter the environment during the production and use of products that contain them: into the air, soil, and water. From there, they enter the food chain and drinking water supplies.
Within the Legal Standard
The amount of PFAS in drinking water still remains well within the legal standard everywhere. At the European level, it has been established that a maximum of 100 nanograms of PFAS per litre of drinking water is permitted. This is considerably higher than the 14.3 nanograms per litre measured in places such as Zaandam and IJmuiden.
However, the RIVM has for some time recommended applying a stricter standard for PFAS in drinking water, namely 4.4 nanograms per litre. This is because, according to the institute, “new scientific knowledge about the risks of PFAS substances to humans” has become available since the European rules came into effect.
For example, these substances may affect the immune system at lower concentrations than previously believed. According to the RIVM, the results of the Greenpeace study underline that “it is mainly companies and governments that can take measures to reduce people's exposure to PFAS over time.”
PFAS levels in the Netherlands © RTL News
For PWN, the drinking water company that supplies tap water to most of North Holland, the presence of PFAS is not a new issue.
“The fact that several municipalities in North Holland rank high on the list is related to the sources from which we produce drinking water,” a spokesperson said.
These sources include surface water from Lake IJsselmeer and river water from the Lek. “These waters are affected by pollution entering the Netherlands through the Rhine and other international waterways.”
Better Supervision
The company advocates, among other things, better supervision and the broadest possible ban on PFAS.
“For residents who are concerned about the quality of their drinking water, the most important message is that PWN's drinking water complies with all legal standards,” the spokesperson said.
“The RIVM also states that drinking tap water is safe. There is therefore no reason to drink less tap water or switch to alternatives.”
Greenpeace also advises people to continue drinking tap water.
“The solution is not to switch to water in plastic bottles, but to stop the chemical industry from continuing to produce and discharge PFAS.”
Minister Vincent Karremans (Infrastructure and Water Management, VVD) agrees with Greenpeace that PFAS levels in tap water should be reduced.
The minister emphasises that people can continue to drink tap water.
“The amount of PFAS in our drinking water is below the European standard and remains below the safe limit for PFAS intake.”
Karremans, like the RIVM, would nevertheless like to move towards a lower standard. His spokesperson stated that this standard is already being used for permits relating to discharges.
A Ban on PFAS?
The minister is currently investigating whether a national ban on the discharge of PFAS is possible.
Such a ban is complicated because PFAS is widespread. An update on the investigation will be published this autumn, according to his spokesperson.
Source: RTL News / ANP
Main image: ANP
Share:
Mineral Water Is Becoming Scarcer and More Expensive. The Consumer Pays the Price.