In a narrative paper published today - PFAS Phase Out: A Prerequisite for a Water Resilient Europe - we highlight the continued threat that PFAS pose to human health and the environment. We urge the European Commission to act now to ban these toxic chemicals.

Known as ‘forever chemicals,’ PFAS are present in our food, air, water and everyday products. Their persistence, mobility, and toxicity create far-reaching challenges for Europe’s water services.

“EU leaders must make the right choices today to safeguard our future,” said EurEau Secretary General Oliver Loebel. “A universal ban will help determine whether the next generations can rely on safe and affordable water services. Inaction means escalating costs.”

Additional treatment technologies are needed to remove these chemicals from the water cycle, but they are costly and energy-intensive.

“End-of-pipe solutions cannot solve the PFAS crisis,” Loebel continued. “Prevention is the only sustainable path forward. This means a far-reaching PFAS ban coupled with strict enforcement of the polluter pays principle.”

The economic impact of treating PFAS is alarming. The Forever Pollution Project, a European cross-border interdisciplinary investigation exposing the real cost of PFAS pollution on the environment, science, and politics estimates in a report published today the staggering cost of cleaning PFAS contamination in Europe if emissions remain unrestricted. The water sector will face an increase of up to €18 billion per year for treating drinking water alone. The estimated cost for treating wastewater and sewage sludge management will be even higher.

To protect Europe’s water resources and societal resilience, we urge policymakers to:

• Enact a universal PFAS ban with allowances for essential applications under strict conditions.
• Implement the polluter-pays principle to ensure those responsible for PFAS pollution bear the financial burden.
• Support innovation by investing in PFAS-free alternatives and advanced removal technologies.

Europe and the EU have the opportunity to lead the global transition towards PFAS-free solutions. Regulation drives innovation, and with a ban, we can safeguard water resilience, public health, and societal well-being.