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Contamination of Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) found in 3% of Upper Austrian samples

Investigation Funding Secured for Examination of 555 Water Samples over a Three-Year Period - Investigation to Continue Until Year's End

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Persistent Chemicals PFAS Discovered in One-Third of Samples from Upper Austria
Persistent Chemicals PFAS Discovered in One-Third of Samples from Upper Austria

Contamination of Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) found in 3% of Upper Austrian samples

In a press conference, Upper Austrian Provincial Councilor Stefan Kaineder (Greens) and PFAS expert Maria Wiesauer from the Upper Austrian Drinking Water Supervision revealed the ongoing efforts to address Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in the region's drinking water.

Between 2021 and 2024, approximately 555 water samples were tested for 20 different PFAS, covering about two-thirds of Upper Austria's population that receives drinking water from facilities under the Drinking Water Ordinance. The report, titled "PFAS in Upper Austrian Drinking Water," is available on the provincial website and includes a digital map with all measuring points and results.

The investigation for public water suppliers will be funded until the end of the year, with about half of the investigated public water facilities in Upper Austria having already utilized this funding opportunity. However, the public water suppliers authorized to continue PFAS investigations until the end of the year have not been explicitly named in the available search results.

Kaineder emphasized the need for nationwide solutions and financial resources for PFAS renovations to protect groundwater reserves and drinking water in Upper Austria. He announced an application to the next environmental ministers' conference to put pressure on the federal government for these solutions.

In the end of 2022, PFAS was found in concerning concentrations in the drinking water of private wells, two water cooperatives, and groundwater in the municipalities of Leonding, Pasching, and Hörsching. Despite these findings, approximately 75% of the water samples did not detect or find PFAS in quantifiable amounts. In about 25% of the water samples, PFAS was found below the limit. Measures are ongoing in the remaining drinking water supply facilities.

The future limit value according to the Drinking Water Ordinance (valid from 12.01.2026 - 0.1 μg/l sum of PFAS-20) was exceeded in eight drinking water supply facilities. In 3% of the water samples (19 samples), the limit for PFAS was exceeded.

Kaineder's goal is the gradual disappearance of PFAS from industry and everyday products. The statewide disposal program for volunteer fire departments has enabled the removal of 35,000 liters of PFAS-containing foam from circulation.

In four cases, a connection to public networks with flawless water quality has already been established. Private wells are served by a laboratory bus.

For those interested in the report, "PFAS in Upper Austrian Drinking Water" can be found on the provincial website.

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