PFAS-contaminated drinking water in 235 Italian municipalities

The data released as part of Greenpeace’s ‘Acque senza Veleni’ (English: ‘Waters without Poisons’) project highlighted widespread contamination by PFAS in the drinking water of numerous Italian municipalities. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are chemical substances resistant to the current filtering systems and are therefore defined as ‘eternal pollutants’. The analysis of 79% of the samples revealed traces of PFAS in every Italian region, with concentrations observed in Liguria, Veneto, Trentino-Alto Adige, and Tuscany. In the Valle d’Aosta region, all samples analysed were found to be contaminated. In particular, 260 samples from 235 municipalities tested positive for one or more PFAS pollutants: Milan, Arezzo, and Perugia have demonstrated values that approach or even exceed the limits that Europe will introduce in 2026. Media outlets have reported on a map of PFAS pollution, with a particular focus on the presence of TFA. Environmental associations are calling for a halt to the production and use of PFAS and a transition to PFAS-free technologies. Furthermore, they are advocating for legal thresholds to be aligned with the most restrictive European standards, and for constant monitoring and publicity of data. Finally, they are calling for strict regulation of industrial waste.