Alarm in Wolfratshausen: Drinking water loaded with dangerous TFA!

Alarm in Wolfratshausen: Drinking water loaded with dangerous TFA!

The Green politician Karl Bär has released alarming results of water samples from various regions of Bavaria. In an analysis of six water samples, which he took in Wolfratshausen, Icking, Holzkirchen, Miesbach and Tegernsee, trifluoracetate (TFA) concentrations were found, which are "clearly above the limit discussed in the EU". According to the laboratory analyzes, the TFA values fluctuate between 0.46 and 0.78 micrograms per liter, whereby the sample from Wolfratshausen with 0.68 micrograms per liter and that from the Isar at Icking with 0.60 micrograms per liter. The EU limit for TFA is 0.1 micrograms per liter and was therefore significantly exceeded. The TFA conduct value of the Federal Environment Agency is 60 micrograms per liter, which is considered a "toxicologically tolerable concentration".

The Stadtwerke Wolfratshausen, on the other hand, emphasize that the drinking water is regularly checked for quality and that enjoyment is classified as harmless. A microbiological examination did not reveal any abnormalities. In order to obtain clarity about the possibly increased TFA load, the municipal utilities have already requested further water samples from deep wells for analysis. Bär, on the other hand, demands the immediate review and revocation of the approvals for all pesticides that can produce TFA.

trifluoracetate and its dangers

trifluoracetate, a degradation product of pesticides and coolants, is not only difficult to remove from drinking water, but is also suspected of having negative effects on human reproductive ability. The problem with TFA is not only regional, but also has the potential throughout Europe a greater health risk. A study by the European Pesticide Action Network (Pan Europe) showed that 79% of the tested samples from European waters had TFA values above the defined EU drinking water limit. The average value was 1,180 ng/l, with a maximum of 3,300 ng/l.

In addition, PFAs (per and polyfluoralkyl substances), which also include some pesticide components, are in focus. PFAs are durable chemicals that occur in products such as cookware, textiles, medicines and fire extinguishers. These chemicals offer advantages such as stability and resistance, but bring health risks. A new study has shown that many children and adolescents have increased PFAS concentrations in the blood that could have health consequences.

regulatory challenges

Currently there are no defined legal limit values for TFA in drinking water in the EU, which tightens the situation. The current rules set a price for the entire PFAS load of 500 ng/l, but this could come into force in 2026, which is considered inadequate. The authorities urgently need to act in order to regulate the TFA concentrations and to identify the sources of pollution. NGO’s require immediate measures to stop the use of pesticides containing PFAS and ensure that the drinking water standards are tightened.

While the Stadtwerke Wolfratshausen emphasizes the harmlessness of drinking water, the question of how sustainable and reliably these statements are actually, in view of the current TFA loads and the associated health risks, is open.