What do we know about our drinking water?

What do we know about the impact of water pollutants on health?

The National Agency for Health, Environment and Safety (ANSES) has demonstrated that nitrates particularly promote colorectal cancers and are associated with hypothyroidism. Danish studies have also shown an increased incidence of brain cancer in children exposed to water containing 25 to 50 mg of nitrates per liter. Concerning PFAS, an American study published at the end of 2025 indicates that at very low concentrations in water, they could double the risk of premature birth and infant mortality. Certain pesticides, such as chlorpyrifos, are also toxic at minute doses, with proven effects on neurodevelopment.

Aren’t PFAS mainly of industrial origin?

Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), which ANSES found in 92% of drinking water samples in France, is part of the chemical composition of around thirty pesticides, but nothing is known about its effects on health. All health data comes from the manufacturers. We have almost no independent data.

Can these molecules be filtered?

Many pollutants cannot be treated with activated carbon. TFA but also R471811 (chlorothalonil metabolite) have thus exceeded the health values ​​in many municipalities. The State has deviated from the regulatory thresholds by decree, otherwise the inhabitants of the territories concerned would no longer have tap water. But their health is no longer protected.