Water Europe has unveiled a new Position Paper on PFAS, the so-called “forever chemicals,” to address the urgent need for clarity and action on one of Europe’s most pressing environmental challenges. This initiative aligns with the European Commission’s priorities under President Ursula von der Leyen, as Commissioner Jessika Roswall and Vice President Stéphane Séjourné work to accelerate reforms to REACH regulations.
PFAS are synthetic chemicals that pose significant threats to public health and the environment. With their persistence in nature and resistance to degradation, these substances demand bold and sustainable solutions. Water Europe’s position paper provides nine key recommendations that form a roadmap towards a Water-Smart Society, where innovation, safety, and sustainability converge.
Durk Krol, Water Europe’s Executive Director, emphasized the importance of the paper: “We are issuing nine recommendations for a Europe free from toxic PFAS. In line with our vision for a Water-Smart Society, we believe this position will enhance water safety and sustainability while minimizing socio-economic and ecological burdens.”
Water Europe’s 9 Recommendations for Addressing PFAS
- Develop Uniform PFAS Measurement Methods: Standardize PFAS measurement and analysis across the EU to ensure consistency and accuracy.
- Mandate PFAS Transparency: Introduce an obligation to disclose knowingly added PFAS in products and processes.
- Advance the ECHA PFAS Restriction Process: Expedite the implementation of PFAS restrictions through the European Chemicals Agency.
- Cap PFAS Emissions at Industrial Sites: Require industries producing or using PFAS to limit PFAS flow to the environment.
- Set a Health-Based TFA Threshold: Establish safety thresholds for trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) in water.
- Adopt Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Implement a PFAS toxicity risk-based approach to hold producers accountable.
- Finance R&D for Alternatives and Removal Technologies: Support research to develop PFAS substitutes and innovative removal technologies.
- List Best Available Technologies (BAT): Establish a registry of approved technologies for the safe management of PFAS.
- Balance Regulation with Essential Uses: Regulate PFAS while recognizing the need for essential, low-risk fluoropolymers with well-documented safety.
On the 10th of December, Water Europe also hosted a dedicated Water Projects Europe session on PFA that explored the challenge of PFAs in the water-soil nexus and the coherence of the legislation on the PFAs monitoring, prevention and remediation. With presentations and concrete solutions highlighted by the participating projects SCENARIOS Project EU, PROMISCES and Life-Source project, it was made clear that the cost of inaction for addressing the PFAs challenge will be much higher than making actual steps.
For more information and to access the full Position Paper, visit Water Europe’s website.
