More than a third of the Dutch population lives in areas where PFAS in drinking water exceeds the guideline value set by the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), according to Greenpeace research based on data from the country’s ten drinking water companies.
The research found the highest concentrations in parts of the western Netherlands. Around Zaandam and IJmuiden, PFAS levels in tap water are more than three times the RIVM guideline value.
Levels are also more than twice the guideline in Amsterdam and around two and a half times higher in Alkmaar and Den Helder.
Greenpeace has launched a postcode checker alongside its findings, allowing people to enter their postcode and see PFAS measurements recorded for tap water in their area.
The organisation says the results show that significant parts of the Netherlands are affected by PFAS contamination.
The PFAS contamination threat
PFAS refers to a large group of thousands of chemical substances produced by the chemical industry.
These substances can enter water through industrial discharges and air, while PFAS-containing products can release the chemicals again when discarded.
The substances are persistent and do not readily break down in the environment, earning them the description “forever chemicals”. They can also spread through the environment.
Research identifies several health concerns associated with long-term PFAS exposure, including increased cholesterol, effects on the immune system, and an increased risk of various forms of cancer.
Western Netherlands records highest levels
The Greenpeace analysis indicates that the most significant exceedances are concentrated in the west of the country.
Zaandam and IJmuiden have recorded levels more than three times the RIVM guideline value. In Alkmaar and Den Helder, concentrations are around two and a half times higher, while Amsterdam exceeds the guideline by more than twice the recommended level.
The municipalities with the largest populations where PFAS concentrations exceed the RIVM guideline are:
- Zaanstad
- Haarlem
- Haarlemmermeer
- Amsterdam
- The Hague
- Zoetermeer
- Leiden
- Rotterdam
- Westland
- Dordrecht
Drinking water remains safe to consume, authorities say
Despite the reported exceedances, RIVM and the umbrella organisation for Dutch drinking water companies, Vewin, advise people to continue drinking tap water.
Water companies are working to reduce PFAS in drinking water, but achieving lower levels requires investment in newer and more advanced filtration systems.
Greenpeace argues that the financial burden of addressing the contamination is falling on consumers rather than the chemical industry responsible for the pollution.
It points to household drinking water bills having increased by more than 50% on average over the past decade.
Greenpeace calls attention to PFAS in drinking water
The research highlights the challenge facing Dutch water companies as they work to manage persistent PFAS in drinking water supplies.
While current advice from RIVM and Vewin is that people should continue drinking tap water, Greenpeace’s analysis shows that PFAS concentrations vary significantly between municipalities.
The organisation’s postcode checker is intended to give residents a clearer picture of the PFAS measurements recorded in their local tap water.
