Swedish Court finds Armed Forces liable in Uppsala PFAS case

Sweden's Land and Environment Court of Appeal published its judgement on the case concerning the contamination of the water source for the municipal water company, Uppsala Water, with PFAS. 

According to yesterday's judgement (09.04), the Swedish Armed Forces are responsible for the pollution and must pay damages to Uppsala Water. Primarily, the damages consist of compensation for the costs of PFAS treatment and legal costs, but the judgement may have a greater impact on the water sector.

PFAS are man made chemicals that are used in everyday products such as paint, waterproof clothing and frying pans. They can enter the environment and the human body where they may lead to decreased fertility, developmental effects or delays in children, and increased risk of some cancers. 

EurEau sent a letter (04.03.24) to European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, urging the EU to take swift measures against the continued PFAS pollution of our environment.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has flagged PFAS as a serious health risk. EurEau calls on the European Commission to take urgent action and endorse the 'universal PFAS restriction' proposal currently under consideration by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). This initiative aligns with the European Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability and underscores the urgency of addressing PFAS contamination to protect human health and the environment.

Yesterday's ruling in Sweden marks an important step in holding polluters responsible for their actions. Speaking about the ruling, Pär Dalhielm, CEO of Svenskt Vatten (the Swedish association of water and wastewater services) said "The outcome of this case is important both for Uppsala Water and for the rest of the water sector. Through the judgement, it is now established that it is the polluter who must pay for the treatment costs - not the municipality's residents."

According to the judgement, the Swedish Armed Forces must bear the treatment costs that have arisen to date due to the PFAS contamination, amounting to €3.5million. The judgment may be appealed to the Swedish Supreme Court no later than 7 May.