The French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (Anses) has released the initial results of a nationwide monitoring campaign assessing the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water. Conducted between 2023 and 2025, the campaign provides the most comprehensive overview to date of PFAS occurrence in both raw water sources and water distributed to consumers.
Among the 35 PFAS compounds targeted, 20 were detected in raw water samples and 19 in tap water. Some appeared only once, while others were far more common. Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), an ultra-short-chain PFAS, was found in 92% of all samples, with concentrations varying widely. Despite these detections, Anses reports that measured PFAS levels in the vast majority of samples remained below existing regulatory thresholds when applicable.
Anses routinely conducts campaigns to monitor emerging contaminants not yet integrated into mandatory water quality controls. PFAS, due to their persistence and potential toxicity, have been the focus of increased scientific and regulatory attention in recent years.
A European directive requires France to monitor a list of 20 PFAS in drinking water by January 2026. The current campaign was designed to provide baseline data before that deadline and to identify additional PFAS that may warrant surveillance.
The study also reports, for the first time in France, significant detection of TFMSA in 13% of samples
More than 600 raw water samples and an equal number of tap-water samples were collected nationwide, including in overseas regions — twice the volume of previous campaigns. Sampling locations represent roughly 20% of the total water distributed in France. Two-thirds were selected due to a potential contamination risk identified by regional health agencies.
Of the PFAS listed in the EU directive, 11 were detected. Three appeared most frequently in tap water: PFHxS (21.7% of samples), PFOS (19.1%), and PFHxA (16.1%). Only a small number of samples exceeded the directive’s quality limit of 100 ng/L for the sum of the 20 regulated PFAS.
Other detected compounds included so-called “conventional PFAS” with longer carbon chains, such as 6:2 FTSA, usually found alongside PFAS already covered by the directive—suggesting these regulated PFAS serve as reliable indicators of broader contamination.
Ultra-short-chain PFAS, not currently included in EU monitoring requirements, were also identified. TFA was by far the most common, with a median concentration of 780 ng/L in distributed water. The study also reports, for the first time in France, significant detection of TFMSA in 13% of samples.
These results complement an Anses report published in October 2025, which recommended strengthening PFAS monitoring across environmental media, including drinking water. Based on the new data, some compounds not yet included in regulatory lists—such as TFA and the conventional PFAS 6:2 FTSA—may be added to long-term surveillance plans.
The agency states that the expanded dataset will support improved risk assessment and help refine national strategies for managing PFAS contamination in drinking water supplies.
