Perpetual chemicals in Dresden's waters locally limited

According to the current state of knowledge, no other bodies of water in Dresden are affected by the contamination with so-called perpetual chemicals. It is currently assumed that the damage is very localized in the north of the city, said René Herold, head of the state capital's environmental office, at the presentation of the measurement results in the city forum. The focus of the PFAS chemical contamination is therefore the Ziegeleiteich pond and the Ziegeleiteichgraben ditch in the Klotzsche district.

Values in the Ziegeleiteich pond above the drinking water limit

Concentrations of over one microgram per liter were detected in the surface water and sediment there. The limit value for drinking water, which has been in force since yesterday, would therefore be exceeded tenfold, although no drinking water is taken from the Ziegeleiteich.

PFAS do not occur naturally and, depending on the substance, persist in the environment for an extremely long time - hence the term perpetual chemicals. Among other things, they are suspected of causing liver damage as well as kidney and testicular cancer. Due to their unique characteristics, the substances are used in large numbers, especially in industrial products and everyday items - from anoraks and pans to cosmetics.

Fish not suitable for consumption

Fish from the Ziegeleiteich pond were found to exceed the maximum PFAS concentration in food, so they may not be placed on the market and are therefore prohibited from being sold or given away free of charge. Fishing in the Ziegeleiteich is also prohibited.

Elevated levels were also detected in surrounding wells. The affected well owners were already informed in July. The use of drinking water was not prohibited at that time, as the limit value was not yet valid, said Angeline Ernst from the Office for Health and Prevention. However, the city recommended not to use the water from the wells for drinking or cooking and to clarify with a specialist company whether decontamination is possible.

Drinking water network not affected

The drinking water network of the state capital is not affected, as Ernst emphasized. It has been tested for PFAS for around ten years.

Much lower concentrations of PFAS were detected in water in the Weixdorf district. The Waldbad swimming pool there is also affected. However, nothing stands in the way of swimming in the coming season. Even with daily bathing, the levels would still be far below the applicable limits, explained Ernst. However, vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, children or people with weakened immune systems are advised to use other bathing areas.

The state capital had already informed the public about the contamination of the water in mid-December. It is still unclear how the PFAS got into the water and whether there is a connection to the industry located in the north of Dresden. The search for the cause is reportedly ongoing. According to Herold, the compounds found can be found in extinguishing foam or de-icing agents, for example. However, they are generally used everywhere in industry and also in households.