EU Introduces Mandatory Monitoring of PFAS in Drinking Water

New EU-wide rules on drinking water quality entered into force on 12 January, marking the first time that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFAS or “forever chemicals,” are subject to systematic and harmonized monitoring across all Member States. Under the recast Drinking Water Directive, countries are now required to measure PFAS levels against newly defined EU limit values, report monitoring results to the European Commission, and disclose exceedances, incidents, and any granted derogations. This marks a significant shift towards greater transparency and consistency in water quality oversight and reflects growing concern about the long-term health and environmental risks associated with PFAS contamination.
Where limit values are exceeded, Member States must implement corrective measures to reduce PFAS concentrations and safeguard public health, including the closure of contaminated wells, the introduction of additional treatment steps, or temporary restrictions on water use. These obligations align closely with the EU’s Water Resilience Strategy and the broader objective of securing the right to safe drinking water for all Europeans. To support effective implementation, the European Commission issued technical guidelines in 2024 that define appropriate analytical methods for measuring both ‘PFAS Total’ and ‘Sum of PFAS’. Together, these measures reinforce the EU’s commitment to world-leading drinking water standards and to proactive action under the Zero Pollution framework