Overview
- Seven provinces and water association Vewin commissioned CLM to analyze PFAS in pesticides, finding a sharp recent rise in use, with 25 active PFAS substances in 116 products.
- Researchers reported PFAS exceedances in more than half of river samples and about 10% of groundwater tests, while drinking water still meets standards but requires more intensive treatment.
- Utrecht estimates about 1,000 kilograms of PFAS-containing pesticides are applied annually in the province, largely tied to hard fruit and silage maize cultivation.
- The study did not establish a direct causal link between agricultural land use and TFA in groundwater, though TFA is detected where PFAS pesticides are used, driving new source-tracing research.
- Utrecht and KWR have installed 14 rain gauges for targeted sampling, with first results expected early 2026, as provinces and Vewin seek stricter registration, an end to PFAS co-formulants, and a national ban on PFAS-containing pesticides.