PFAS in the tap water in Haarlem
The tap water in Haarlem meets the legal standard. Still, it contains more PFAS than the RIVM advises. Here you can read what that means and what you can do yourself.
See the figures Shop ZeroWaterHow much PFAS is in the tap water in Haarlem?
- The tap water in Haarlem meets the legal standard.
- It is above the RIVM advice.
- The RIVM says: just keep drinking tap water.
Why Haarlem in particular?
In North Holland, a large part of the drinking water is made from river and surface water. That water contains more PFAS than groundwater. That is why the levels in Haarlem are higher than in, for example, Drenthe or Friesland, where most drinking water comes from the ground.
* Weighted by harmfulness (PFOA equivalents), using the calculation method of the RIVM (Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment). Source: analysis by Greenpeace Netherlands based on measurement data from the ten Dutch drinking water companies, September 2026. Haarlem uses drinking water from several water extraction areas with different PFAS levels, which is why a range is shown. Levels may vary by neighbourhood 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
The RIVM says: together, people in the Netherlands take in more PFAS than is good for our 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 the RIVM, even small amounts of PFAS can make your immune system work less well.
The advice is stricter than the law
The RIVM advises 4.4 nanograms per litre. The law is less strict. Below you can read the difference.
Law and advice: what's the difference?
There are two numbers you may read about. They don't measure exactly the same thing, but this is how it works:
- The law (EU, since 12 January 2026): a maximum of 100 nanograms per litre for 20 PFAS combined. Dutch tap water meets this standard.
- The RIVM advice: 4.4 nanograms per litre. Here the RIVM gives more weight to how harmful each type of PFAS is.
The advice is stricter because there is new knowledge about the effects of PFAS. The government is waiting for advice from the WHO before changing the law.
Good to know
- Tap water in the Netherlands is safe to drink, say the RIVM and the drinking water companies.
- Drinking water made from groundwater (mainly in the east and north) contains less PFAS.
- Drinking water made from river water (mainly in the west) contains more PFAS.
- 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 Dutch 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.
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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 Haarlem
Can I still drink the tap water in Haarlem?
Yes. The tap water in Haarlem meets the legal standard. The RIVM and the drinking water companies advise you to keep 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. According to the RIVM and the drinking water companies, bottled water is not the answer, and it 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 and soil, they reach the water used to make drinking water. That is why drinking water made from river water often contains more PFAS than drinking water made from groundwater.
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 Haarlem.
Shop ZeroWater Replacement filters- RIVM (Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment) – PFAS in drinking water. rivm.nl/pfas/drinkwater
- EU Drinking Water Directive 2020/2184 (PFAS standard in force since 12 January 2026). eur-lex.europa.eu
- PFAS levels per municipality: analysis by Greenpeace Netherlands based on measurement data from the ten Dutch drinking water companies, September 2026. View the source (in Dutch).
- 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.