Alarming TFA levels in drinking water: Heilbronn is taking action!

Alarming TFA levels in drinking water: Heilbronn is taking action!

In the Heilbronn-Franconia region, the contamination of drinking water with trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) is increasing alarmingly. Loud SWR TFA is considered a “forever chemical” because it hardly breaks down in the environment and therefore remains in nature in the long term. This chemical compound is created by the breakdown of refrigerants and pesticides and is classified as toxic to reproduction and critical to the environment.

In order to counteract the growing threat, the Bad Rappenau Association has initiated measures to filter TFA. To this end, pilot projects were started that focus on new filter systems, particularly those based on activated carbon. However, these procedures are still in the testing phase and are associated with high costs. The association supplies a total of 34 communities with drinking water, which is currently tested for TFA four times a year. Although drinking water quality is currently rated as good, long-term efforts to reduce TFA pollution are essential.

Alarming TFA values ​​in Germany

A current study draws attention to alarming levels of trifluoroacetic acid in drinking water in Germany. fr.de reports that the federal states of Baden-Württemberg and North Rhine-Westphalia are particularly affected. This study, conducted by Global 2000 and other organizations, calls for action to protect the population. TFA is a water-soluble carboxylic acid that enters the environment through industrial processes and the degradation of pesticides. The natural weathering of rocks can also lead to the formation of TFA.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has classified TFA as not toxicologically relevant, although it was unable to draw any clear conclusions about its health relevance. Their recommendation for an acceptable daily intake is 0.05 mg per kg of body weight per day, while the Federal Environment Agency recommends a TFA concentration of less than 10 µg per liter in drinking water. In an analysis of drinking water samples from eleven EU countries, it was determined that TFA was detected in 34 of 36 samples (94 percent).

TFA and its sources

TFA belongs to the group of eternal chemicals that is found not only in fresh water or groundwater, but also in foods such as wine. ingenieur.de points out that the TFA concentration in drinking water has increased in recent years, especially in the High Rhine region. Over a period of eight years, the TFA concentration in waterworks of the Lake Constance-Rhine Association increased from 0.1 to up to 1 microgram per liter. Historical data shows that TFA was undetectable in wines before 1988, while levels increased sharply starting in 2010.

The majority of TFA pollution is attributed to industrial sources and agriculture. In addition, household products such as cleaning products also contribute to increased exposure. Environment ministers of the federal states are therefore calling for a thorough investigation of PFAS pollution as well as targeted measures to avoid TFA. Experts emphasize the urgency of limiting TFA sources early, as traditional removal methods are often not effective enough.

In view of these challenges, ensuring drinking water quality is the focus of experts who are calling for a revision of EU water legislation. Immediate measures, including a ban on pesticides and refrigerants containing PFAS and investments in modern water treatment technologies, are considered necessary to protect public health and ensure long-term drinking water supplies.