The need to support local governments in their efforts to combat water pollution was the central focus of a question submitted to the European Commission by MEP Dimitris Tsiodras.

The question, co-signed by twenty MEPs from six political groups and twelve EU countries, highlights that access to high-quality water is vital for local communities, agriculture, industry, and the circular economy. The MEPs express concern over the growing costs of water pollution caused by so-called “persistent chemicals” (PFAS), noting that these costs are currently being shouldered largely by local authorities.

The signatories warn that the cost of treating drinking water contaminated with PFAS could reach €18 billion annually, excluding additional expenses related to wastewater treatment and sludge management. They emphasize the urgent need for EU funding to support targeted measures, such as advanced filtration systems, provision of substitute drinking water, and pollution mapping.

Furthermore, the MEPs stress the importance of involving local authorities more actively in both the collection and analysis of data concerning PFAS-related costs, and in the design and implementation of public-private partnerships as outlined in the European Water Resilience Strategy.

Full Text of the Question Submitted:

Subject: Involvement of local authorities in tackling the economic and operational challenges posed by PFAS and other persistent pollutants in Europe

High-quality water is essential to local communities, agriculture, industry, and the circular economy. The European Water Resilience Strategy correctly identifies that so-called “persistent chemicals” such as PFAS are generating rising costs—costs that currently fall largely on local governments.

In the absence of harmonised data, the exact financial impact remains difficult to quantify. Nevertheless, the Strategy estimates that the treatment of PFAS-contaminated drinking water alone could cost up to €18 billion per year, not including the even greater costs of managing wastewater and sludge.

This financial burden increasingly affects citizens, especially those in urban areas near major industrial zones. Urgent funding is required to implement solutions such as advanced filtration systems, alternative drinking water supplies, and pollution mapping. These additional expenses often force local authorities to divert funds from other essential priorities like supporting local businesses.

We ask the Commission:

1. How does it intend to involve local authorities in the collection and analysis of data related to the treatment costs of PFAS and other persistent chemical pollutants?
2. Will local governments be included in the development of public-private partnerships under the European Water Resilience Strategy to better manage PFAS and related contaminants?