Recent European research shows that PFAS pollution, the so-called “forever chemicals”, is creating massive societal costs. Current contamination could cost Europe up to €440 billion by 2050.
The study shows that PFAS water treatment costs can range from a few billion euros per year under a business-as-usual scenario, to tens of billions annually if large-scale wastewater treatment is required. Over time, treating polluted water alone could exceed €1 trillion if action is delayed.
PFAS is not just an environmental issue, it is also a human health concern and a major challenge for Europe’s water system.
But across Europe, change is underway:
- Industries are accelerating PFAS phase-out.
- For the first time systematic monitoring of PFAS in drinking water is being implemented in the EU from 2026. The drinking water regulation now sets PFAS thresholds of 100 ng/L for 20 priority PFAS, and the total concentration of all PFAS detected must be below 500 ng/L.
- If the limit values are exceeded, member states must take action to reduce the level of PFAS.
The shift is increasing demand for advanced purification technologies across the water sector. Swedish company Ramson, with comprehensive solutions for water filtration for drinking water and wastewater treatments for PFAS/PFOS, is noticing the change.
”There is an extremely high demand for PFAS and PFOS filtration and the full-service solutions we offer. It started a few years ago and it is only increasing” says Anders Käck, CEO of Ramson.
What’s next? The European Chemicals Agency, ECHA, is preparing a plan to restrict PFAS use. Their review is expected by the end of 2026, after which the EU Commission will propose formal rules based on ECHA’s advice.