PFAS contamination in ditch water prompts safety warning for gardeners in Zuid-Holland
Residents in parts of Dordrecht, Molenlanden, Sliedrecht, and Papendrecht are advised to avoid using ditch water for watering edible crops due to elevated PFAS levels. The warning aims to protect public health as new measurements reveal higher contamination than previously recorded.
| Key Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Affected Areas | Dordrecht, Molenlanden, Sliedrecht, Papendrecht (Zuid-Holland) |
| Contaminant | PFAS (poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances) |
| Risk Threshold Exceeded | Yes, for irrigation water (RIVM standards) |
| Advisory Issued By | Municipalities and water boards |
| Source of Data | Foundation for Allotment Garden Restoration |
| Contact for Health Queries | GGD Zuid-Holland Zuid: mmk@ggdzhz.nl or +31 78 – 770 8500 |
| More Information | pfasinfo.nl/slootwatergebruik |
Municipalities and water boards in the Netherlands are responsible for managing water quality and public health risks within their regions. They collaborate with environmental agencies like the RIVM to monitor contaminants such as PFAS and issue advisories to protect residents. This role includes ensuring safe water use for agriculture and recreational purposes.
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Municipalities and water boards advise against using ditch water after 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 water edible crops in 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 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 watering 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 GGD Zuid-Holland Zuid via mmk@ggdzhz.nl or 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.
For more information? Visit pfasinfo.nl/slootwatergebruik.