New rules requiring compulsory and harmonised monitoring of so-called “forever chemicals” have come into force across the European Union.
The measures apply to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water and are part of the revised Drinking Water Directive.
According to the European Commission, systematic monitoring of PFAS is being introduced. Member states are now required to measure PFAS levels in drinking water and record the results.
They must send this data to the European Commission. They must also report any breaches of legal limits, pollution incidents and any exemptions that are granted.
Under the revised directive, authorities must act immediately if PFAS levels exceed the permitted limits. The aim is to protect public health and ensure transparency.
Authorities are also required to inform the public when exceedances occur.
Possible measures include closing contaminated boreholes, adding treatment stages to remove PFAS from water, or restricting the use of affected water supplies.
The new reporting system is simplified and forms part of the EU’s Water Resilience Strategy. It also supports the EU’s objective of ensuring universal access to safe drinking water.
In 2024, the European Commission issued technical guidance on how to measure PFAS as a whole. This includes methods for calculating total PFAS and the sum of PFAS. The guidance followed consultations with EU member states.
The revised Drinking Water Directive was adopted in 2020. Member states were required to incorporate it into national law by January 2023.
The directive sets stricter quality standards for drinking water across Europe, including new requirements linked to PFAS monitoring and reporting.