Anthropogenic substances such as pesticides, pharmaceutical residues, antibiotics, hormones and PFAS are increasingly found in our surface water and drinking water. The impact of these substances is often underestimated, while their effects on biodiversity, health and water reuse are becoming increasingly clear. These substances:
- Are active at very low concentrations, inert, or have (still) unknown behaviour.
- Lead to complex (mixture) toxicity with measurable effects on biodiversity, ecosystem stability and public health.
- Can be removed from the water cycle very effectively with available and affordable technologies; it’s a misconception that solutions are lacking.
However, consensus and decisive action are often lacking, partly because the public is insufficiently aware of the risks and the opportunities related to this topic. Despite its significant and urgent impact, support for implementation is often limited due to uncertainties about cost-effectiveness, responsibility and legislation.
This topic is too often seen as a cost burden and of course progress isn’t free. But this is not a cost burden, this is an investment in a cleaner, better and economically attractive future. This small investment, estimated at €40 per person per year in the Netherlands, yields results we can be proud of:
- Proven and globally relevant technologies as leading export products.
- Clean waters for recreation, fishing and business.
- Safety in water quality, reuse and supply.
- Ecological resilience and increasing biodiversity.
- Prevention of micropollutant-related diseases and antibiotic resistance.
“The Netherlands can remain a frontrunner by increasing urgency, acceptance and feasibility.”
The Expert Group Micropollutants focuses on accelerating the implementation of proven solutions for the removal of these substances. We aim to:
- Provide clarity on technical options, societal benefits and policy implications.
- Connect problem holders (such as water authorities), technology suppliers, researchers and citizens.
- Create support for action with clear language, reliable data and tangible numbers: “What does it really cost?”
Objectives of the Expert Group
We aim to strengthen and accelerate the implementation of micropollutant removal in the water cycle in a positive and proactive way. We do this by:
- Sharing knowledge and connecting stakeholders through factsheets, journal articles and media appearances.
- Demonstrating tangible practice: business cases, demonstrations and impact studies.
- Strengthening connections between problem owners and technology suppliers via events, knowledge-sharing sessions and matchmaking.
Expert Group Members
Chair:
- Kaspar Groot Kormelinck
Projectmanager:
- Andre Mepschen
Other Members:
- Akanova
- Bioclear Earth
- Brightwork
- Colubris Cleantech
- Haskoning
- Jotem Water Solutions
- Nijhuis Saur Industries
- NX Filtration
- Sweco
- Van Remmen UV Technology
- Wetlantec
Would you like to contribute to our expert group?
We are always open to enthusiastic parties who want to contribute to our expert group. Do you have a specific question, need more information, or want to join? Contact us!
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