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PFAS catastrophe: Drinking water in Lower Saxony massively contaminated!
BUND discovers PFAS in all drinking water samples in Lower Saxony. The focus is on long-term consequences for health and the environment.
PFAS catastrophe: Drinking water in Lower Saxony massively contaminated!
In Lower Saxony there is alarming news for everyone who keeps an eye on water quality. BUND tested extensive drinking water samples and detected PFAS (per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances) in all samples. These chemicals are suspected of being harmful and have been linked to serious illnesses such as liver damage and kidney and testicular cancer. In a nationwide study between June and October 2025, 46 drinking water samples were tested, and PFAS were found in 42 of them. The affected samples from Lower Saxony are contaminated at a total of eight locations, which indicates a critical condition that cannot be ignored. NDR reports the worrying results.
PFAS are used in a variety of industries, including in water-repellent jackets, coated pans and even cosmetic products. These “forever chemicals” are not only extremely long-lasting, but also difficult to remove – current processes for cleaning water from PFAS are expensive and resource-intensive. The BUND is therefore calling for an exit from the production and use of PFAS in the EU and for those responsible to be held responsible.
Alert if limit values are exceeded
The situation becomes even more dramatic when you look at the future limit values for PFAS in the drinking water regulations, which are due to come into force between 2026 and 2028. Three of the tested samples from Zeuthen, Ludwigslust and Güstrow have already found values that are above these new limit values. The values in Goslar and Leer were also above the tolerable weekly dose. This shows that there is a trend towards problematic water values not only regionally but also nationwide.
Worldwide, PFAS have been detected not only in drinking water, but also in marine animals. These chemicals find their way into the environment through industrial manufacturing processes and the use of products containing PFAS. ECHA highlights that fewer than 20 of the more than 10,000 known PFAS are regulated, highlighting the urgency of reform.
EU discusses restrictions
A comprehensive restriction of the entire PFAS group is currently being discussed at EU level. The discussion is being driven by the identification of several PFAS as substances of very high concern (SVHC), meaning their use could be phased out. These are chemical compounds that accumulate in the environment and pose health risks. Several countries, including Germany as well as Denmark and the Netherlands, have already proposed restrictions and are working on measures to reduce PFAS use.
What is particularly alarming is that PFAS chemicals have been detected in human blood components. It is estimated that 97% of Americans are affected by PFAS in their blood, and exposure can occur through contaminated water, food, or even everyday products. NIEHS notes that the health effects of PFAS are potentially serious. Studies show links between PFAS exposure and various health problems such as delayed puberty, changes in bone density and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
In summary, it can be said that the issue of PFAS not only affects Lower Saxony, but also represents a significant risk to public health worldwide. The current findings in drinking water are a wake-up call for everyone involved to take more decisive action to remove these harmful substances from our environment.