Ditch water in four Dutch municipalities unsafe for growing edible crops due to PFAS contamination
Residents in parts of Dordrecht, Molenlanden, Sliedrecht, and Papendrecht are advised to avoid using ditch water for irrigating edible crops after new measurements revealed elevated PFAS levels. The precaution aims to protect public health from potential contamination risks.
| Key Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Affected Municipalities | Dordrecht, Molenlanden, Sliedrecht, Papendrecht |
| Contaminant | PFAS (poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances) |
| Risk Threshold Exceeded | Yes, for irrigation of edible crops |
| Source of Data | Moestuinherstel Foundation |
| Advisory Issued By | Municipalities, water boards, RIVM, GGD Zuid-Holland Zuid |
| Contact for Health Queries | GGD Zuid-Holland Zuid: mmk@ggdzhz.nl or 078 – 770 8500 |
| Additional Information | moestuinherstel.nl, pfasinfo.nl |
The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) sets guidelines for safe water usage, including thresholds for contaminants like PFAS. Municipalities and water boards enforce these guidelines to safeguard public health and the environment by issuing advisories and monitoring contamination levels.
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Advice on using ditch water after new PFAS measurements
Municipalities and water boards issue advice on ditch water use following new PFAS measurements
In parts of Dordrecht, Molenlanden, Sliedrecht, and Papendrecht (see map), PFAS has been detected in ditch water above the risk threshold for irrigation water set by the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM). As a result, municipalities and water boards are advising against using ditch water to irrigate edible crops in this area. This advice is intended to prevent health risks.
Advice expanded to larger area
The new measurement data comes from the Moestuinherstel Foundation. The foundation samples allotments and surface water as part of its allotment restoration program. The results have been shared with the water boards, municipalities, environmental service OZHZ, and the Public Health Service (GGD) ZHZ. The recent measurements provide a clearer picture of contamination in ditch water within the four municipalities compared to 2022, with some concentrations higher than in 2022. Following the allotment study in 2022, there was already an advisory against using ditch water to irrigate edible crops, including in allotments.
Moestuinherstel Foundation
The Moestuinherstel Foundation has already shared its measurement reports and usage advice with the allotment locations where it conducted research. Residents and allotment gardeners have been directly informed about this.
Not every ditch exceeds the risk threshold, but elevated levels have been measured at multiple locations. Therefore, the precautionary advice applies to the entire area indicated on the map. PFAS (poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances) is a collective term for man-made substances that can have adverse effects on human health and the environment.
Questions about PFAS and health
If you have questions about PFAS and health, you can contact the GGD Zuid-Holland Zuid at mmk@ggdzhz.nl or call 078 – 770 8500. Do you have complaints or concerns about your own health? Then contact your GP.
Questions about your allotment
Do you have questions about food from your allotment? You can find more information on the website moestuinherstel.nl. For more information, visit pfasinfo.nl/slootwatergebruik.