In April 2025, the Foundation for Healthy Water (SGW) filed an appeal with the Zeeland West Brabant Court against the province of Zeelands decision on the final list of swimming water locations for 2025. The organization believes that the province does not adequately consider pollution from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) when assessing swimming water quality. At the request of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management (IenW), the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) verified the facts in the appeal. Additionally, substantive questions from IenW regarding PFAS in swimming water were answered. The details can be found in this knowledge note.
PFAS are substances that do not break down in the environment and can enter the body through surface water. One of the ways to be exposed to these substances is by swimming in contaminated water. Therefore, RIVM informs water managers about guideline values for swimming water.
More information can be found at PFAS in surface water | RIVM