Surfrider Foundation Europe, alongside Eurofins laboratory, is publishing the first major study on the presence of PFAS in recreational waters, demonstrating the massive presence of these pollutants at all sites tested. The marine environment, still too little studied, is largely contaminated at unsuspected concentrations.
A scientific study to document a form of pollution that has never been investigated
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as ‘forever chemicals’, refer to a family of several thousand synthetic chemical compounds that are particularly persistent. Whilst there is a growing number of reports on their presence in the environment, no large-scale study had been carried out in bathing and recreational waters to date. Yet this is not only a serious environmental problem, but also a real threat to public health. It is therefore legitimate to ask about the risks we face when we go swimming, surfing, etc.
To improve this knowledge on the presence of PFAS in aquatic environments, Surfrider carried out a large-scale citizen science initiative: samples were collected by 80 of the NGO’s volunteers at 107 bathing sites or regularly visited by water sports enthusiasts (in lakes, rivers or along the coast). These citizens, who had received prior training in sampling techniques, followed a standardised protocol based on the recommendations of the partner laboratory Eurofins to comply with the sampling conditions.
The laboratory analyzed the presence and concentration of 58 PFAS in each sample which were then interpreted by Surfrider Europe.
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The majority of sites tested fail to achieve good chemical status
In order to assess the chemical quality of these recreational waters, Surfrider drew on current legislation, the Water Framework Directive (WFD), and its environmental quality standards (EQS). The NGO compared its analysis results with the reference values for PFOS, which was the only indicator belonging to the PFAS family at the time of the study. Despite the existence of strong restrictions at European and international level, 78% of continental sites and 44% of coastal sites tested exceed the maximum authorized values. A significant number of sites are therefore subject to pressure related to PFOS pollution and could be considered “in poor chemical status” according to the European standards taken into account in our study.
On the other hand, the observed contamination is highly diverse. Among the 58 different molecules and degradation products that were the subject of in-depth research, 23 PFAS could be quantified across all sites, reflecting complex and heterogeneous pollution. TFA, recently classified as “toxic to reproduction” (category 1B) by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), was detected in 100% of our samples at concentrations that were not anticipated.
Bathing water quality: all samples show traces of PFAS
To assess the quality of bathing water with regard to PFAS, Surfrider drew on a management-support tool developed by the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) for managers of bathing areas. In response to growing concerns amongst the public and the authorities, the RIVM indeed developed in 2024 a practical guide for the initial assessment of risks related to bathing waters, setting a guideline value of 280ng PEQ/L.
Using this framework, the study conducted by Surfrider Europe has made it possible to report on the presence of these pollutants in bathing water and the associated risks for the first time. Our analyses have shown that no site tested, whether coastal or inland, is spared. One site would even exceed the Dutch authorities’ recommendations if French bathing sites were governed by a similar framework.
Only one solution to the scale of this pollution: stopping emissions at source
The study demonstrates the ubiquity of PFAS in the environment, even in areas where we go swimming or take part in water sports. PFAS were detected at all the bathing and recreational sites considered, with varying levels of contamination. Substances that have been banned for several years, such as PFOS and PFOA, are still detected at high concentrations whilst a wide variety of substances and degradation products have been regularly identified. The marine environment is still often overlooked. Yet it, too, is largely contaminated by PFAS at concentrations previously unsuspected.
These findings are alarming and highlight the shortcomings of the current regulatory framework. Surfrider is calling on the European Commission to take the following action without delay:
- Take up the conclusions of ECHA by the end of the year in order to adopt a universal restriction of PFAS as soon as possible, covering all sectors and uses, including industrial sectors. We also call on Member States to support this ambition, so as to put a permanent stop to this pollution at source.
- Strengthen the networks for monitoring water quality, particularly in the marine environment; this must be accompanied by concrete actions such as the identification of sources of pollution, remediation of contaminated sites and effective implementation of the polluter-pay principle.
- Establish harmonized PFAS monitoring protocols for bathing and recreational water in the Member States, accompanied by complementary studies aimed at addressing the lack of data on pollution in these areas, and ultimately enabling the establishment of official European monitoring standards for the chemical quality of bathing waters. When pollution is confirmed, the European Commission and the Member States must develop plans for water remediation, while applying the “polluter pays” principle.
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About Surfrider Foundation Europe
Surfrider Foundation NGO is a collective of positive activists who take concrete action on the ground on a daily basis to pass on a preserved ocean to future generations. Our mission: To carry the voice of the Ocean loud and clear! Our weapons? Raising awareness and mobilizing citizens, children and adults alike (in particular through 48 volunteer branches throughout Europe), using our scientific expertise to carry out lobbying actions and transform companies. Discover the association on https://surfrider.eu/ or via this video.
CONTACTS :
Lionel Cheylus | Media Relation Manager| +33 6 08 10 58 02 | lcheylus@surfrider.eu
Julie Gabriel | Media Relation Assistant| presse@surfrider.eu
Surfrider Foundation Europe’s ‘Healthy Water’ campaign is supported by the LIFE programme established by the European Commission. The European Commission’s support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of its content, which reflects solely the views of its authors. The Commission cannot be held responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein.