Dutch health institute warns of new chemicals in rivers and lakes

New chemical substances are increasingly appearing in rivers, lakes, ditches, and canals, with concentrations of some exceeding legal limits. This poses a concern because surface water is frequently used for drinking water production, and these substances are hard to remove, the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) has said. The institute also urged measures to reduce their discharge.

The RIVM is calling on Rijkswaterstaat and the water boards, responsible for water management, to take action against five chemicals. Lithium, used in batteries, can cause long-term kidney damage. Bromate may lead to cancer if exposure is excessive. The RIVM also points to dibromoacetic acid, N, N-dimethylsulfamide, and trichloroacetic acid as substances of concern.

Cutting back on discharges is expected to reduce the levels of these chemicals in the water. The substances come from sources such as industry, pesticides, and leftover medicines.

“I take the RIVM’s findings seriously,” stated outgoing Minister of Water Management Robert Tieman. “It is important to assess whether these four substances actually pose health risks.” He was referring to the five chemicals identified by the RIVM, excluding lithium, whose risks have already been examined. The minister stressed that the study focuses on surface water and that drinking water remains “of excellent quality.”

A working group on emerging substances has been tackling this issue for over a decade. Tieman has asked them to draft a plan to decrease the levels of certain chemicals in the water. “The plan will focus not only on these four substances but also on related ones,” he said. The group has, in fact, already begun this work.

The water boards regard the RIVM report on chemicals in water as a confirmation of their longstanding position. “The report highlights the importance of addressing pollution at its source,” said a spokesperson for the federation of 21 water boards. “If chemicals are prevented from entering the water, or are released in smaller amounts, they pose no threat to aquatic life or the surrounding environment.”

“The RIVM’s advice underscores the need for a collective effort: reducing harmful substances in water, improving regulations at the source, and ensuring monitoring and enforcement where levels are excessive,” said the Dutch Association of Water Boards. “Water boards work every day to keep surface water clean and healthy, and they are improving the treatment of household and industrial wastewater. However, they cannot do it alone. For many chemicals, responsibility lies with producers, users, and regulatory approvals. That is why water boards have long called for stricter rules on the use and discharge of harmful substances, both nationally and at the European level.”