PFAS contamination in ditch water forces gardening restrictions in Zuid-Holland
Residents in parts of Dordrecht, Molenlanden, Sliedrecht, and Papendrecht are urged to avoid using ditch water for growing edible crops due to high PFAS levels. The advisory aims to protect public health but may disrupt local gardening and farming practices.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Contaminant | PFAS (poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances) |
| Affected Municipalities | Dordrecht, Molenlanden, Sliedrecht, Papendrecht |
| Exceeds RIVM Limit For | Water used to irrigate crops |
| Issuing Bodies | Municipalities, Water Boards, GGD Zuid-Holland Zuid, OZHZ |
| Research Conducted By | Stichting Moestuinherstel (Allotment Garden Restoration Foundation) |
| Contact for Health Questions | GGD Zuid-Holland Zuid: 078 – 770 8500 |
| More Information | pfasinfo.nl/slootwatergebruik |
The municipalities and water boards involved are responsible for managing public health risks and environmental safety in their regions. Their role includes monitoring water quality and issuing advisories to protect residents from potential hazards like PFAS contamination.
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Municipalities and water boards advise against using ditch water after new PFAS measurements
In parts of the municipalities of Dordrecht, Molenlanden, Sliedrecht and Papendrecht, PFAS has been found in ditch water. The amount of PFAS exceeds the limit set by the RIVM (National Institute for Public Health and the Environment) for water used to irrigate crops. For this reason, municipalities and water boards are advising against using ditch water in this area to spray vegetables, fruit or other edible plants. This advice is intended to prevent health risks.
Advice now applies to a larger area
The new measurements were conducted by the Stichting Moestuinherstel (Allotment Garden Restoration Foundation). This foundation carries out research in allotment gardens and surface water as part of a restoration programme for allotments. The results have been shared with the water boards, municipalities, environmental service OZHZ and GGD ZHZ.
The new measurements provide a better picture of the area where ditch water may be contaminated than in 2022. In some places, the measured amounts of PFAS are higher than those found in the allotment garden research in 2022. Even after the 2022 research, the advice was not to use ditch water for irrigating edible crops, including in allotment gardens.
The Stichting Moestuinherstel has already shared the research results and advice directly with the allotment gardens where research was carried out. The residents and allotment gardeners involved have been personally informed.
Not every ditch in the area has excessive PFAS, but elevated levels have been measured in several places. For this reason, the precautionary advice applies to the entire area indicated on the map.
What is PFAS?
PFAS (poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances) is a collective term for substances created by humans. These substances can be harmful to human health and the environment.
Questions about PFAS and health
If you have questions about PFAS and health, you can contact GGD Zuid-Holland Zuid at 078 – 770 8500. If you have complaints or concerns about your own health, please contact your GP.
Questions about your allotment garden
If you have questions about food from your allotment garden, you can find more information on the website moestuinherstel.nl.
More information
For more information, visit pfasinfo.nl/slootwatergebruik.