The provinces jointly conducted research on the quality of groundwater in the Netherlands. The report Groundwater Quality Netherlands 2024 shows that in 96% of the tested locations, one or more substances were found that do not naturally belong there, such as residues of detergents, cosmetics, medicines, pesticides, and PFAS.
Groundwater is important as a source for drinking water, nature, and agriculture. The research used measurement data collected by the provinces in 2024. The report shows that water quality is under increasing pressure. However, it is difficult to determine whether there is an actual deterioration in groundwater quality, as more substances were detected with improved measurement techniques.
What does the research show?
- In 96% of shallow measurement points (about 10 meters deep), one or more foreign substances were found;
- The highest exceedances are caused by pesticides and PFAS, a group of substances considered very concerning;
- PFAS are now found almost everywhere in groundwater. These substances hardly break down, spread easily, and are harmful to humans and animals. They are also difficult to remove from water;
- The report already considers new, stricter PFAS standards that the EU has provisionally agreed upon. Based on this, it appears that the Netherlands will likely not meet the European groundwater goals everywhere in the future.
- Exceedances of other pollutants are mainly caused by two substances used in nutrients, detergents, and cosmetics.
The report supplements the official assessment under the European Water Framework Directive (WFD), which looks at a limited number of substances. This research provides a broader and more complete picture of the chemical status of groundwater.
Why is this important?
This national report gives provinces better insight into which substances occur where in groundwater. This helps to take targeted measures, for example by tackling pollution sources and better protecting vulnerable areas. The report thus has a clear early warning function: it signals where certain substances occur, even if there is (yet) no exceedance of standards.
Follow-up: translation to the Drenthe situation
The report describes the national situation and is not a separate analysis for Drenthe. The province will further translate the results to the Drenthe situation and investigate which possible measures fit. Nationally, together with other provinces and partners, extra monitoring - including around drinking water extraction sites - and measures to reduce emissions of pollutants at the source will also be considered.
