PFAS crisis: Alarming drinking water contamination in Berlin and Brandenburg!

PFAS crisis: Alarming drinking water contamination in Berlin and Brandenburg!

In a worrying report, the German Federation for the Environment and Nature Conservation (BUND) has shown that the drinking water in Berlin and Brandenburg is significantly contaminated with PFAS. This group of chemicals, known as per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances, are considered “forever chemicals” – they are extremely long-lasting and virtually non-degradable in nature. According to current analyses, four out of five samples exceed the applicable limits for PFAS, which brings the health effects of the chemicals into focus. Of particular concern is the finding that 42 of 46 water samples tested from across Germany contain PFAS, including water samples from the government district in Berlin. This became clear in the studies carried out from June to October 2025, where no PFAS could be detected in four samples, although this hardly reduces the alarming results. rbb24 reports that the worst values ​​come from regions such as Zeuthen, Ludwigslust and Güstrow.

The incidents are not isolated, as BUND managing director Verena Graichen emphasized that PFAS have long since arrived in the water cycle. This makes the treatment of drinking water expensive and complicated and presents water companies with immense technical challenges. The highest levels of detected PFAS were found in unregulated substitutes often used in products like nonstick pans or outdoor clothing. The BUND demands that manufacturers take responsibility for the follow-up costs, for example for drinking water treatment. A ban on PFAS is also currently being discussed at the EU level, but this decision-making process could drag on until the end of 2026.

Health hazards and regulatory measures

The health risks posed by PFAS are alarming: They can reduce immune cell activity, increase the risk of cancer, and even promote infertility and obesity. Scientists have proven that PFAS can be detected in the blood of almost everyone worldwide. There is a particular risk for children in polluted areas, because even the amounts detected in a water sample from the government district cannot rule out health effects. This prompted the BUND to warn children not to consume tap water from contaminated areas press portal.

From January 12, 2026, a new limit value of a maximum of 100 nanograms per liter for 20 selected PFAS will be binding in Germany. Further stricter limits for PFAS are also set to come into force in 2026 and 2028. The current tests show that the challenges are even more far-reaching: contaminated sites and contamination from fire extinguishing foams are suspected to be the main causes of the pollution. According to reports, cities such as Güstrow, Schwerin and the greater Berlin area have already exceeded the new limit values, which will apply from 2026 taz.

Need for action and the way forward

PFAS are found in many everyday products such as waterproofing sprays and food packaging, and manufacturing companies, including Covestro, Bayer, Solvay and Daikin, are already producing large quantities. BUND is calling for comprehensive regulation of all PFAS in order to break the vicious circle of environmental pollution. The historical trajectory of exposures shows a worrying increase since the 1970s, with a particularly sharp increase after 2000. It remains to be hoped that the new limits and discussions about banning PFAS will help reduce future exposures and protect the health of the population in the long term. In the meantime, both policymakers and citizens must remain vigilant and monitor developments carefully.