Soil and water research 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, the GGD Drenthe therefore advises against using water from the Runsloot, Bongveentje, and other ditches for the time being. Waterbedrijf Groningen states that the drinking water is safe and responsible to drink in Eelde and elsewhere in the region. The drinking water in Eelde and elsewhere in the region is safe - Waterbedrijf Groningen
More research is needed into the origin, distribution, and long-term risks of PFAS. The Noorderzijlvest Water Authority is working closely with the Hunze en AA’s Water Authority, the Province of Drenthe, the Municipality of Tynaarlo, the Drenthe Environmental Service, the Drenthe Municipal Health Service, and the Groningen Water Company on this.
Map of elevated PFAS concentrations
The blue lines indicate the Runsloot and Bongveentje canals, 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 board.
- The other locks marked in blue and the Bongveentje are located in the Hunze en Aa’s water board area.
- If anything is unclear or difficult to read on the map, please send an email to webbeheer@noorderzijlvest.nl.
Where can I go with questions?
Questions about health in relation to PFAS?
You can contact GGD Drenthe:
- Available on working days between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.: telephone number 0592 - 306 300.
- By email:info@ggddrenthe.nl.
Questions about the health of your pet(s)?
Contact your veterinarian if you notice any unusual symptoms in your pet(s).
Questions about the waterbed and water quality research?
Questions about research in the Runsloot can be directed to the Noorderzijlvest Water Authority:
- We are available by phone Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 050 – 304 8911.
- By email: info@noorderzijlvest.nl.
- Via our contact form.
Questions about research in the other ditches and the Bongveentje can be directed to the Hunze & Aa’s Water Board:
- We can be reached by telephone from Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on 0598 – 693 800.
- Via the contact form Contact - Hunze en Aa's Water Board
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 050 – 368 8688.
General questions about PFAS in the province of Drenthe?
Drenthe Environmental Service:
- Available by phone at 0800 – 9102
- By email: info@oddrenthe.nl.
Questions for the province of Drenthe?
- Available by phone via the customer contact center at 0592 – 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: