Soil and water survey Eelde
Studies conducted at and near the airport grounds in Eelde have measured excessive concentrations of PFAS in various locations. This includes the water in the Runsloot. Research is currently being conducted into the affected area and the cause.
Additional research
The potential risks to public health and to animal and plant life are not precisely known. Additional research is needed to determine this.
According to the Drenthe Municipal Health Service (GGD Drenthe), there is no immediate danger to public health. However, prolonged consumption of water and fish with excessive PFAS concentrations may have consequences. As a precautionary measure, GGD Drenthe advises against using water from the Runsloot, Bongveentje, and other ditches for the time being. Waterbedrijf Groningen states that drinking water is safe and responsible to drink in Eelde and elsewhere in the region. Drinking water in Eelde and elsewhere in the region is safe - Waterbedrijf Groningen (Dutch only)
More research is needed on the origin, distribution, and long-term risks of PFAS. Therefore, Noorderzijlvest Water Authority is working together with the Hunze en AA’s Water Authority, the Provincial Executive of Drenthe, Tynaarlo Council, the Drenthe Environmental Agency, the Drenthe Municipal Health Service, and Waterbedrijf Groningen.
Map of elevated PFAS concentrations
The blue lines indicate the Runsloot and Bongveentje ditches, where elevated concentrations of PFAS have been measured.
- The blue line on the left side of the map is the Runsloot. This ditch falls within the area of the Noorderzijlvest Water Authority.
- The other ditches marked in blue and the Bongveentje are located in the region of the Hunze en Aa’s water authority.
- If anything is unclear or difficult to read on the map, please send an email to webbeheer@noorderzijlvest.nl.
Who do I contact if I have questions?
Questions about health in relation to PFAS?
You can contact Drenthe Municipal Health Service:
- Available on working days between 8:00 and 17:00: telephone number +31 (0)592 - 306 300.
- By email: info@ggddrenthe.nl.
Questions about the health of your pets?
Contact your veterinarian if you notice any unusual symptoms in your pets.
Questions about the waterbed and water quality research?
If you have any questions about the research in Runsloot, please contact Noorderzijlvest Water Authority:
- We are available by phone Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 17:00 at +31 (0)50 – 304 8911.
- By email: info@noorderzijlvest.nl.
- Via our contact form (Dutch Only)
Questions about research in the other ditches and the Bongveentje can be addressed to the Hunze & Aa’s Water Authority:
- We can be reached by telephone from Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 17:00 +31 (0)598 – 693 800.
- With the contact form Contact - Hunze en Aa's Water Authority
Questions about drinking water quality?
- Information about the safety of drinking water can be found at www.waterbedrijfgroningen.nl.
- For questions, Customer Service can be reached by telephone at +31 (0)50 – 368 8688.
General questions about PFAS in the province of Drenthe?
Drenthe Environmental Agency:
- Available by phone at +31 (0)800 – 9102
- By email: info@oddrenthe.nl.
Questions for the provincial executive of Drenthe?
- Available by phone via the customer contact centre at +31 (0)592 – 365 555
- By email: post@drenthe.nl.
More information about the soil and water research in Eelde can also be found on the website of the province of Drenthe: