Veolia wraps up national campaign to detect PFAS in French drinking water

Veolia has completed its nationwide testing initiative, launched in November 2023, aimed at detecting the presence of 20 regulated PFAS in France's drinking water, in line with current quality thresholds. This proactive move anticipates new requirements from health authorities that will mandate regular testing for these compounds starting in 2026.

Veolia analyzed more than 2,400 drinking water supply points, serving over 20 million people. Following this campaign, the company can confirm that more than 99% of its drinking water sources meet the required PFAS standards.

In the rare instances where PFAS levels exceeded the limits, Veolia worked closely with local authorities, helping them inform the public about water quality and supporting the implementation of corrective action plans to restore compliance.

With 97% of French citizens identifying health as a key concern in local water decisions, Veolia offers the most extensive technological solutions on the market to treat various water pollutants, including micropollutants like PFAS. Drawing from its experience in multiple countries, particularly the U.S., the company leverages its industrial expertise and continuous innovation to create advanced filtration systems.

In France, Veolia is investing in a fleet of mobile intervention units, consisting of over 30 devices, including 25 mobile treatment units and six mobile laboratories. These labs are capable of determining the best treatment methods for detected micropollutants, such as activated carbon, and identifying the optimal filter replacement schedules and associated costs.

Veolia offers the most extensive technological solutions on the market to treat various water pollutants, including micropollutants like PFAS

For more complex pollutants requiring advanced treatment technologies like nanofiltration or reverse osmosis, Veolia offers a step-by-step action plan to address the issue efficiently.

This strategy allows Veolia to provide local authorities with an economically viable and technologically sound solution to ensure high-quality water for consumers.

"The results we have published encourage us to intensify our efforts in the fight against emerging pollutants such as PFA," says Estelle Brachlianoff, CEO of Veolia. "As a pioneer in the treatment of water pollution, Veolia draws on its global expertise and innovation to offer solutions tailored to each region, both economically and technologically. This makes it possible to provide solutions that offer the best value for money, in order to protect the health of citizens and their purchasing power”.

"Our aim is to help our customers meet the challenge of drinking water quality by providing them, drawing on the strength of our technology portfolio and our expertise, with a range of solutions that can be adapted to each situation, taking account of local specificities and economic constraints. We use cutting-edge processes such as activated carbon and nanofiltration, as well as low-pressure reverse osmosis, while continuing to innovate and develop new treatment methods to anticipate future quality standards.” adds Pierre Ribaute, CEO of France Water Zone.