The highest value was measured in De Blankaart: 0.49 micrograms per liter. But there are also higher concentrations around the water production centers of Dikkebus, Zillebeke and De Gavers. Europe sets the standard at 0.1 microgram per liter of drinking water, but because that value is not being achieved, Flemish Minister Jo Brouns has raised the bar ten times: over the next two years, drinking water may contain up to 1 microgram of triazoles, in order to to avoid running out of drinking water. Isn’t there a health problem then?
Pieter Spanoghe: Professor of Crop Protection UGENT: “It is not because the standard is slightly adjusted that we are concerned about it. These substances are not found every day in concentrations that exceed the standard. All studies show that drinking water from the tap is the healthiest and sustainable option.”