Suche
Mein Konto
Dangerous PFAS in Thuringian drinking water: What does that mean for us?
The BUND reports on PFAS contamination in Thuringian drinking water. Despite evidence, no limit values have been exceeded.
Dangerous PFAS in Thuringian drinking water: What does that mean for us?
A new drinking water screening is causing a stir in Thuringia: The BUND has detected PFAS, the notorious per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances, in several samples. Drinking water samples were taken from Erfurt, Weimar and Saalfeld in which regulated PFAS substances were detected. Fortunately, no limit values were exceeded, so the drinking water quality is maintained. Nevertheless, the results cast a shadow on the existing safety, because PFOA and PFOS were discovered in the Weimar sample - substances that were previously contained in firefighting foams, among other things, and have now come under criticism. PFOA has been banned since 2020 and was classified as carcinogenic in 2023.
What is particularly alarming is the detection of unregulated PFAS substances, especially trifluoroacetate (TFA), which was discovered in high concentrations in Erfurt and Saalfeld. TFA is considered harmful to reproduction. Such substances not only pollute drinking water resources, but can also cause serious health problems, including liver damage and thyroid disease. From 2026, it will be mandatory for water suppliers to test for a total of 20 regulated PFAS substances, a step that is positive but also points to previous abuses.
The responsibilities are clear
The BUND urgently warns: PFAS are accumulating in the environment and pose a threat to our drinking water resources. Sewage treatment plants are currently having difficulty effectively removing these stubborn substances. Nevertheless, there are bright spots: the Thuringian Ministry of Health reassures the population and emphasizes that drinking water in Germany is strictly monitored. It is also recommended that you look for products labeled “PFAS-free” when shopping.
In the discussion about the safety of drinking water, the BDEW made it clear in a press release on November 4, 2025 that the drinking water supply in Germany is considered safe. Even though traces of PFAS have been detected in most drinking water samples, the future limit values for 2026 and 2028 are already being met in many cases. The only exceptions are three individual samples that exceed the limit for 2028. This makes it clear that the main contamination from PFAS usually comes not from drinking water, but from food.
A slight preponderance of PFAS in the environment
The challenges posed by PFAS cannot be underestimated. Due to the historical use of firefighting foams containing PFAS, known contaminated sites have been documented, particularly at airports, barracks and industrial facilities. In Magdeburg, for example, the drinking water supply had individual values below 0.01 µg/L in 2014 and 2020, which corresponds to the high standard that the water supply strives for.
From January 12, 2026, a new limit of 0.1 µg/L will apply for the total of 20 PFAS in Germany, and annual analyzes are mandatory for monitoring. There is also progress at the European level: a comprehensive phase-out for non-essential uses of PFAS is being prepared in order to further reduce pollution.
Overall, the situation remains tense, but with increased control and prevention now underway, there could be light at the end of the tunnel. How the situation will develop remains to be seen - it is important that we, the consumers, remain vigilant and also pay attention to the origin of our products.