Overview
- Utrecht and research institute KWR have started a six‑month campaign with 14 rain gauges to test whether precipitation contributes to PFAS found in soil and groundwater, with first results expected in early 2026.
- The CLM report commissioned by seven provinces and VEWIN found a sharp rise in PFAS‑containing pesticide use—up to 67% in three years—with 25 active PFAS pesticides incorporated into 116 products.
- Monitoring showed PFAS exceedances in more than half of river‑water tests and about 10% of groundwater tests, while drinking water remains compliant due to increased treatment effort.
- Usage is regionally concentrated, including roughly 1,000 kilograms of PFAS‑pesticides used annually in Utrecht and higher use in Noord‑Holland’s bulb and potato sectors.
- Policy recommendations include better user disclosure, parcel‑level registration, expanded monitoring of PFAS and metabolites, and ending approval of PFAS co‑formulants, as VEWIN advocates for a national ban.