Water pollution in Europe has a silent but dangerous enemy: perfluoroalkylated and polyfluoroalkylated substances (PFAS). Widely used in industrial and consumer applications, these persistent chemicals threaten the continent’s water security. The EurEau association, representing Europe’s drinking water and sanitation operators, has released a report warning of an impending environmental crisis unless urgent measures are taken to eliminate these pollutants.
PFAS: The invisible contaminant in water
PFAS are synthetic compounds that persist in the environment, accumulating in air, soil, and—most critically—water. While nearly imperceptible, their impact is growing. According to the EurEau report,in Germany, the concentration of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), a PFAS by-product, has increased fivefold over the past 20 years. In the Netherlands, groundwater PFAS levels could exceed legal limits within the next decade.
The problem lies not just in their presence but in their resilience. PFAS do not naturally degrade, accumulating over time in ecosystems and the human body. Long-term exposure has been linked to hormonal imbalances and serious diseases, making their elimination a matter of public health.
Drinking water at risk: A growing challenge
EurEau’s report highlights the challenges water operators face in providing PFAS-free drinking water. Currently, 60% of Europe’s water supply comes from groundwater, traditionally considered safe. However, without urgent intervention, increasing contamination could push shallow aquifers beyond the EU’s drinking water quality limits.
Removing PFAS from water is a costly and complex process. Existing treatments can eliminate some long-chain PFAS, but at a high economic and environmental cost. Short- and ultra-short-chain PFAS, such as TFA, remain particularly difficult to remove. Stricter regulations could force water operators to invest billions in advanced filtration technologies, inevitably raising water prices for consumers.
In the sanitation sector, the challenge is even greater. Wastewater treatment plants are not equipped to filter out PFAS, meaning these substances continue to flow into rivers and seas. Despite recent updates to the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, no specific discharge limits for PFAS have been set, complicating mitigation efforts.
The astronomical cost of PFAS contamination
Treating drinking water to remove PFAS could cost up to €18 billion annually, according to the Forever Pollution Project. Ironically, while water operators—and ultimately consumers—shoulder the financial burden, the corporations responsible for the pollution remain largely unaccountable.
The financial sector is taking notice. In 2024, a coalition of investors managing over $10 trillion in assets warned major chemical manufacturers about the financial and legal risks of continued PFAS production. In the U.S., PFAS-related lawsuits have already led to over $11.5 billion in settlements. In contrast, Europe’s weaker legal framework makes it difficult for water operators to hold polluters financially responsible.
EurEau demands strong action: A total PFAS ban
To combat the crisis, EurEau is calling on the European Union to enforce a comprehensive PFAS ban and apply the ‘polluter pays’ principle. Key proposals include:
- Total PFAS ban: Prohibit the use of PFAS in all products, both within and outside the EU, under the REACH Regulation.
- Limited exemptions for essential uses: Allow exceptions only for critical applications, such as certain medical technologies, under strict regulations.
- Immediate ban on PFAS in firefighting foams: These are a major source of contamination, and safer alternatives already exist.
- Elimination of PFAS in pesticides and biocides: Their use contributes to soil and groundwater contamination.
- Strict limits in drinking water and food: Establish maximum PFAS levels based on public health criteria.
- Polluter accountability: Manufacturers should bear the costs of decontamination and disposal.
Act now to prevent an environmental disaster
EurEau’s report serves as a wake-up call for policymakers and industry leaders. The PFAS crisis is escalating, and immediate action is necessary to prevent irreversible damage. Strict regulations and a commitment to eliminating these harmful substances are essential to safeguarding Europe’s water security and public health. Delaying action now will only lead to greater costs—and greater consequences—in the future.
