Perpetual chemicals in Lower Saxony's drinking water: health hazard!

Perpetual chemicals in Lower Saxony's drinking water: health hazard!

The results of a current study by the German Federal Environment Agency and Nature Conservation Association (BUND) are worrying: the notorious “forever chemicals” PFAS (per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances) were detected in all tested drinking water samples from Lower Saxony. In total, the BUND analyzed 46 samples from different federal states between June and October 2025, and in 42 of these samples residues of PFAS were found, which are considered harmful to health and are suspected of causing liver damage as well as kidney and testicular cancer NDR reports.

What is particularly alarming is the fact that all eight water samples taken from Lower Saxony were contaminated. Although the current legal limit values ​​were not exceeded in most samples, the values ​​in samples from Goslar and Leer were above the tolerable weekly dose, which should apply from the end of 2027. A third of the samples examined from other federal states, including Zeuthen, Ludwigslust and Güstrow, even exceeded the future limit values, which are due to come into force from 2026 and 2028. The BUND highlights that the striking values ​​may be due to the previous use of firefighting foams containing PFAS, which are widely used in industry, including in products such as water-repellent jackets, pans and cosmetics.

Prevalence and risks of PFAS

PFLAS are extremely long-lasting – the reason why they are known as “forever chemicals”. Of the over 10,000 PFASs in existence, fewer than 20 are currently regulated. These chemicals not only end up in drinking water, but also in the water cycle, including mineral water. Verena Graichen, Managing Director of BUND, warns: “PFAS have arrived in the water cycle.” A comprehensive analysis by BUND also found PFAS residues in groundwater samples and surface water samples, which further underlines the seriousness of the situation, as n-tv reports.

The most common and highest concentrations of PFAS were found in trifluoroacetate (TFA), perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA), and perfluoropropanoic acid (PFPrA), which are used as substitutes for regulated PFAS. A serious aspect is the health risks associated with these substances, such as elevated cholesterol levels and diabetes, which further worry consumers.

Requirements and outlook

The BUND is calling for a complete phase-out of the production and use of PFAS in the EU and comprehensive research into those who cause these chemical substances. Given the increasing costs of water treatment caused by PFAS, which water companies may have to pass on to citizens, the situation is urgent. A look at the EU suggests that stricter regulations are being considered there to curb the PFAS problem.

One of the most striking quotes in this debate is the statement that only a fraction of the individual PFAS substances are regulated, which makes it all the more urgent to restrict the entire group of chemicals. In addition, consumers should reconsider their consumption of animal products in order to partially reduce their intake of PFAS, as Ökotest strongly recommends.