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PFAS (poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances) are a growing concern for water companies worldwide. Known for their water- and grease-repellent properties, these substances are used in a wide range of products, from cookware to water-repellent clothing. But their persistence in the environment and potential health risks make them a challenge for water quality. 

The UK organisation CHEM Trust has published an article entitled “The PFAS Challenge for Water Companies”, which describes the complexity faced by water companies in managing PFAS contamination. These substances hardly break down in the environment and can accumulate in water sources, complicating the purification of drinking water.

RIWA-Rijn is committed to protecting the Rhine as a source of drinking water and is aware of the risks posed by PFAS. Through accurate monitoring and analysis of water quality data, we continue to keep a close eye on the situation in the Rhine. Our efforts focus on identifying PFAS hotspots and evaluating the effectiveness of treatment measures.

Controlling PFAS pollution requires a combined effort from policymakers, industry and water companies. It is essential to tighten regulations and hold polluters accountable for clean-up. At the same time, water companies should be supported with the necessary technology and resources to effectively remove these substances from drinking water.

Read CHEM Trust’s full article for an in-depth analysis of the challenges posed by PFAS for water companies: The PFAS Challenge for Water Companies.

The interview with Harrie Timmer, senior policy advisor of VEWIN, the association of all drinking water companies in the Netherlands, provides valuable insights and recommendations that are also relevant to our efforts at RIWA-Rijn to safeguard water quality.

CHEM Trust is a UK non-profit organisation dedicated to protecting people and the environment from harmful chemicals. The organisation works to reduce exposure to toxic chemicals through research, policy advocacy and public education. CHEM Trust seeks stricter regulation and better control of the use of hazardous substances in products and industrial processes.

On 23 May, the Landesamt für Natur, Umwelt und Verbraucherschutz Nordrhein-Westfalen (LANUV) reported elevated concentrations of the plant protection products Dimethenamide and Metolachlor in the Rhine near Bad Godesberg. Since 17 May 2024, these elevated values have been observed at Rhine kilometre 647.5 on the left bank. No abnormalities were initially found on the right bank, at Bad Honnef (Rhine-kilometre 640).  

The observations were transmitted through the International Warning and Alarm system of the ICPR as information and search reports. Traces of both substances were also found in Worms, Rhineland-Palatinate.   A previous report (number 4) reported that markedly elevated concentrations have since been measured on both banks near Bad Honnef and Bad Godesberg. The values rose to 0.43 μg/L for Dimethenamide and 0.14 μg/L for Metolachlor in Bad Godesberg, and 0.22 μg/L for Dimethenamide and 0.11 μg/L for Metolachlor in Bad Honnef.

In its most recent report, LANUV reports that pollution waves have arrived unabated in Kleve-Bimmen and Lobith, indicating that the pollution has moved downstream and is now affecting these areas as well.

These increased concentrations of Dimethenamide and Metolachlor represent a worrying development for the water quality of the Rhine. RIWA-Rijn is closely monitoring this situation and working with relevant agencies to assess the impact and take appropriate measures to safeguard water quality. It is essential to identify and address the sources of this contamination to prevent recurrence and protect the Rhine as a source of our drinking water.