Concern over PFAS contamination in drinking water raises alarms in Denmark

During your summer vacation south, you may have wondered if it’s safe to turn on the tap for a cold glass of tap water. In many parts of the world, it’s wise to check before drinking directly from the tap. Fortunately, this is not an issue in Denmark, which prides itself on having some of the world’s cleanest drinking water.

However, not all water in Denmark is entirely free from hazardous chemicals. Recent measurements have shown an increasing presence of harmful substances, such as PFAS—often referred to as “forever chemicals”—and pesticides in the groundwater, from which nearly all drinking water is sourced.

Thøger Kirk, host of DR’s climate magazine *Jorden Kalder*, expressed concern over the small amounts of PFAS found in the water. In a video accompanying the article, Kirk samples Denmark’s PFAS-contaminated groundwater, noting that while the taste is manageable, the contaminated chemicals are a significant concern.

According to Paula Hammer, a physician and clinical toxicologist at Bisbebjerg Hospital, substances like PFAS and pesticides do not belong in drinking water. Yet, she points out that, given the current situation, achieving a completely chemical-free existence is not feasible. Thus, society must prioritize which chemicals are acceptable in our drinking water and at what levels.

Questions about how these environmental contaminants enter our water supply persist, raising concerns about the safety of Denmark’s groundwater and public health. Viewers can learn more about this pressing issue by streaming *Jorden Kalder* on DRTV.