For the first time, the European Union will implement systematic monitoring of the concentration of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water. Under the new rules, which came into force on January 12, states must monitor these indicators and report any incidents or deviations.
According to the European Commission, this should ensure compliance with the updated Drinking Water Directive.
Simplified reporting
The EU assures that the new system is simpler than the one under the previous version of the Directive. This is primarily due to a reduction in the amount of data that needs to be transmitted.
Last year, the Commission published technical recommendations to assist with measurements.
Immediate response
Continuous monitoring should allow for the timely detection of excessive concentrations or extraordinary cases. If this happens, Member States must report the information to the European Commission and take measures to reduce the level of "forever chemicals" in drinking water.
Options for combating excessive PFAS concentrations include:
- adding new stages of water purification;
- restricting the use of water for the entire period of the exceedance;
- the complete closure of wells with contaminated water.
“PFAS contamination of drinking water is causing growing concern across Europe. Thanks to the current harmonized restrictions and mandatory monitoring, member states have the rules and tools to quickly detect and eliminate contamination to protect public health,” said Jessica Roswall, Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy.
PFAS, also called “forever chemicals,” have a decomposition period of thousands of years. These substances are found in non-stick coatings, waterproof clothing, and even in food packaging.
However, over time, these compounds have “entered” the environment and even living organisms. EcoPolitic previously reported that PFAS were found in the bodies of whales and dolphins.
These substances have not been fully studied, but have an entirely negative effect on health. In particular, PFAS are associated with cancer and autoimmune diseases.
