On June 20, 2023, the new Drinking Water Ordinance (TrinkwV) came into force in Germany, implementing key elements of the new EU Drinking Water Directive. The group of substances known as perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS for short (also called “forever chemicals”), is of particular importance in this context. These industrial chemicals are used in a wide range of applications (cookware, textiles, cosmetics, hydrogen production) and are characterized by their high durability (persistence). Some representatives of this group of substances also accumulate in the environment and in the bodies of humans and animals (bioaccumulation), where they can cause damage. Some PFAS substances are highly mobile, can only be removed from water at great expense, and can therefore find their way into drinking water. The new TrinkwV limit for PFAS will be introduced in two stages. From January 12, 2026, 100 nanograms per liter will apply as the total limit for a group of 20 PFAS substances. For four specific PFAS substances (PFHxS, PFOS⁠, PFOA⁠, PFNA), an additional total limit value of 20 nanograms per liter will apply from January 12, 2028.

What needs to be considered now when implementing measures to comply with the Drinking Water Ordinance limits? What should be done in the event of exceedances? How are concentrations of a few nanograms per liter measured? What is the situation regarding our water resources, groundwater, and surface water? Which other PFAS substances that are not (yet) regulated are also relevant?

In our seminar, we therefore want to discuss the implementation and compliance with these requirements in practice with proven experts. The seminar is primarily aimed at local authorities, drinking water suppliers, health authorities, water management authorities, state institutions, planning offices, as well as consultants and experts. 

When: February 4, 2026, from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm.

Where: Webinar (Webex)

English subtitles are available during the seminar. 

Click here to register.

Presentations:

Prof. Jörg E. Drewes (TUMunich, Drinking Water Commission): PFAS – new limits in drinking water and dealing with exceedances

Dr. Linda Schreiner-Gahn (Bavarian State Office for Health and Food Safety): Findings from 20 years of official PFAS drinking water analysis in Bavaria

Dr. Ulrich Borchers (IWW Analytic and Service): Analytical challenges and status of PFAS monitoring in Germany

Hanna Ulrich (Bavarian State Office for Environment): PFAS occurrence in surface water and possible sources of input

Dr. Benedikt M. Aumeier (TU Munich): Introduction to treatment processes for PFAS removal

Dr. Jan Back (MCI International University Innsbruck): Requirements and measures regarding poly- and perfluorinated alkyl substances

Dr. Johannes Köhler (BAUER Resources GmbH): Remediation measures in practice & operational experience

Registration fee:

Regular: €220

TUM students: €10