1,2,4-triazole is a breakdown product of the fungicide metconazole. De Watergroep measured triazole values in West Flemish water, especially in the Westhoek, that exceed the European precautionary value of 0.1 microgram per liter. However, these are water extraction areas that are crucial for West Flemish drinking water.
At the request of De Watergroep, Brouns granted permission on December 20 to continue extracting drinking water there. He set the maximum concentration at 1 microgram per liter, ten times higher than the European standard. The exception applies for two years.
“We have granted a reasoned exception to the water company, which is thoroughly substantiated from a health perspective,” Brouns said on VRT NWS. “There is no danger to public health. Together with De Watergroep, we will also set up a monitoring and action plan to further reduce the residues.”
Drinking water extraction in the Westhoek already sometimes has to be stopped because the pesticide levels are too high. In October, research showed that the smallest type of PFAS, trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), is also appearing en masse. These are also pesticide residues. An expensive method is required to filter TFA and triazoles from the water.
Brouns is nevertheless convinced that this solution minimizes the risks as much as possible. “Just like with TFA, the intention is not for nothing to happen. The standard we are currently using is already an application of the precautionary principle, because it is stricter than the WHO reference value and the advice of Care and Health.”