PFAS contamination in ditch water prompts irrigation warning for gardeners in four Dutch municipalities
Residents and allotment gardeners in parts of Dordrecht, Molenlanden, Sliedrecht, and Papendrecht are advised to avoid using ditch water for irrigating edible crops due to elevated PFAS levels. The precaution aims to protect public health from potential risks linked to these harmful substances.
| Key Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Affected Municipalities | Dordrecht, Molenlanden, Sliedrecht, Papendrecht |
| Contaminant | PFAS (poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances) |
| Risk Threshold | Exceeded for irrigation water (RIVM guidelines) |
| Advisory Issued By | Municipalities and water boards |
| Source of Data | Foundation for Allotment Garden Restoration |
| Contact for Health Queries | GGD Zuid-Holland Zuid (078 – 770 8500) |
| Additional Information | moestuinherstel.nl, pfasinfo.nl |
Municipalities and water boards in the Netherlands are responsible for managing local water quality and public health risks. They issue advisories based on data from environmental agencies like the RIVM to safeguard residents from potential hazards such as PFAS contamination.
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Municipalities and water boards advise 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). The municipalities and water boards are therefore advising against using ditch water to irrigate edible crops within this area. This advice is intended to prevent health risks.
Advice extended to larger area
The new measurement data comes from the Foundation for Allotment Garden Restoration. The foundation samples allotment gardens and surface water as part of its restoration programme for allotments. 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 better picture of the contamination in ditch water within the four municipalities compared to 2022, and the measured concentrations are sometimes higher than in 2022. Following the allotment garden study in 2022, an advisory was already in place not to use ditch water for irrigating edible crops, including in allotment gardens.
The Foundation for Allotment Garden Restoration has already shared its measurement reports and usage advice with the allotment garden locations where it conducted research. Residents and allotment gardeners concerned have been directly informed about this.
Not every ditch exceeds the risk threshold, but elevated levels have been measured at several locations. The advice therefore applies as a precaution 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 and environmental health.
Questions about PFAS and health
If you have questions about PFAS and health, you can contact the Public Health Service (GGD) Zuid-Holland Zuid at 078 – 770 8500. Do you have complaints or concerns about your own health? Then contact your GP. Do you have questions about food from your allotment garden? You can find more information on the website moestuinherstel.nl. More information? Go to pfasinfo.nl/slootwatergebruik