PFAS in the tap water in West Flanders
The tap water in West Flanders meets the legal standard. In almost all areas, it also stays below the stricter Flemish target for PFAS. Here you can read what the figures mean and what you can do yourself.
See the figures Shop ZeroWaterHow much PFAS is in the tap water in West Flanders?
- The tap water in West Flanders meets the legal standard. All measurements stayed below 100 nanograms per litre for 20 PFAS.
- In 14 of the 15 supply areas, the average is below the target of 4 nanograms per litre.
- In one supply area, the average was 5.0: just above the target.
- VMM says: just keep drinking tap water.
Why West Flanders in particular?
West Flanders has little usable groundwater. That is why a large part of the drinking water is made from surface water, for example at De Blankaart in Diksmuide, De Gavers in Harelbeke and the ponds of Dikkebus and Zillebeke near Ypres. Surface water usually contains more PFAS than groundwater. The levels differ per supply area, because each area gets its water from different sources.
Besides De Watergroep, Farys (for example in Bruges) and IWVA (on the coast around Veurne) also supply drinking water in the province. Are you a De Watergroep customer? Via ‘Mijn Drinkwater’ on dewatergroep.be you can see the figures for your own address.
* Sum of the four PFAS in the target (PFOA, PFOS, PFNA and PFHxS), average per supply area. Source: VMM (Flanders Environment Agency), report ‘Perfluorverbindingen in drinkwater – 2021’, based on measurements by the drinking water companies in the 15 supply areas in West Flanders. This is the most recent published overview per supply area. Levels may vary by street and by measurement.
What is PFAS?
PFAS is a large group of man-made substances. They are found in many things you use every day.
- Non-stick pans
- Rain jackets and outdoor clothing
- Food packaging
- Cosmetics and firefighting foam
Why is it called a ‘forever chemical’?
- PFAS hardly break down in nature.
- They enter rivers and groundwater through factories and products.
- That water is also used to make drinking water.
- They stay in your body for a long time.
Why PFAS deserves attention
EFSA, the European Food Safety Authority, says: part of the European population takes in more PFAS than is good for their health. This comes mainly from food, but also from drinking water.
It builds up
Your body clears PFAS only slowly. Small amounts add up over the years.
Effect on your immune system
According to EFSA, even small amounts of PFAS can make your immune system work less well.
The target is stricter than the law
Flanders and Wallonia aim for 4 nanograms per litre for four PFAS. The law is less strict. Below you can read the difference.
Law and target: what's the difference?
There are two numbers you may read about. They don't measure the same thing, but this is how it works:
- The law (EU): a maximum of 100 nanograms per litre for 20 PFAS combined. It applies across the EU from 12 January 2026.
- The target: 4 nanograms per litre for four PFAS combined (PFOA, PFOS, PFNA and PFHxS). Flanders wants to reach this by 2028. It is based on EFSA advice.
The target is stricter because it looks at the four PFAS that have been studied most and that EFSA considers most important for your health.
Good to know
- Tap water in Flanders is safe to drink, says VMM.
- Drinking water made from groundwater usually contains less PFAS than water made from surface water such as rivers, canals and ponds.
- In West Flanders, a lot of drinking water is made from surface water.
- Boiling does not remove PFAS from your water.
ZeroWater filters PFAS
Just keep drinking tap water. Want to take in less PFAS through your water? Then a certified filter is a simple extra step.
less PFAS in your water
This percentage applies to PFOA and PFOS, the two best-known and most studied PFAS. The ZeroWater 5-stage filter has been tested for these to the NSF/ANSI 53 standard and certified by the independent institute IAPMO. View the certificate.
Tested, certified
Not a promise, but an independently tested result. Tested with far more PFOA and PFOS than is found in Belgian tap water.
More than just PFAS
The filter is also certified for lead, chromium-6, mercury and chlorine. That makes your water taste purer too.
See it for yourself 000 PPM
Every jug comes with a TDS meter. It shows how pure your water is. Does it show 006? Then it's time for a new filter.
Start filtering right away
Choose the jug that suits your household. A filter is included, so you can filter your first jug of tap water straight away.
1.7 litresZeroWater 1.7 litre jug
Compact and light. Fits in most fridge doors. Handy for 1 or 2 people.
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4.7 litresZeroWater 4.7 litre jug
More water in one go. For families who drink a lot and want to refill less often.
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5.4 litresZeroWater 5.4 litre dispenser
With a tap. Put it in the fridge or on the counter and pour your water whenever you like.
Add to cartView product →Questions about PFAS in West Flanders
Can I still drink the tap water in West Flanders?
Yes. The tap water in West Flanders meets the legal standard. VMM says there is no reason to stop drinking tap water. Want to take in less PFAS? Then you can filter your water as an extra step.
Does ZeroWater filter all PFAS?
The honest answer: ZeroWater is certified for PFOA and PFOS, the two best-known PFAS. There are thousands of types of PFAS. We have no certificate for the other types, so we don't make any promises about them.
Does the TDS meter show how much PFAS is in my water?
No. The meter measures dissolved solids such as limescale and metals. PFAS are present in such tiny amounts that a TDS meter can't measure them. The meter does help you see when your filter is used up: when it shows 006, replace your filter.
Does boiling or bottled water help?
Boiling does not remove PFAS from water. Bottled water creates a lot of plastic waste. A filter on your regular tap water is a simpler alternative.
Where does PFAS in drinking water come from?
PFAS end up in the environment through factories, firefighting foam and products. Through rivers, canals and soil, they reach the water used to make drinking water. That is why drinking water made from surface water often contains more PFAS than drinking water made from groundwater. In West Flanders, a lot of drinking water is made from surface water.
How often should I replace the filter?
That depends on your tap water. The harder your water, the faster the filter fills up. Test your water with the TDS meter: when it shows 006, it's time for a new filter.
Know what you drink
Just tap water, but with less PFAS. For you and your family in West Flanders.
Shop ZeroWater Replacement filters- VMM (Flanders Environment Agency) – PFAS in drinking water – 2021, figures per supply area (in Dutch). vmm.vlaanderen.be
- VMM – Is there PFOS or PFAS in tap water? (in Dutch). vmm.vlaanderen.be
- De Watergroep – Tap water quality in West Flanders, March 2026 (in Dutch). dewatergroep.be
- EFSA – PFAS in food: EFSA assesses risks and sets tolerable intake (2020). efsa.europa.eu
- EU Drinking Water Directive 2020/2184 (PFAS standard in force since 12 January 2026). eur-lex.europa.eu
- ZeroWater Performance Data Sheet, IAPMO certification to NSF/ANSI 53 and 42. View PDF
ZeroWater is certified for the reduction of PFOA and PFOS. Results were achieved under laboratory conditions; actual results may vary.