PFAS: Persistent Pollutants with Long-Term Impacts
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals used since the 1950s in industrial processes and consumer goods. Their carbon-fluorine bonds are among the strongest in organic chemistry, making PFAS extremely resistant to degradation.
Nicknamed “forever chemicals,” PFAS accumulate in water, soil, and living organisms. Some compounds, such as PFOA and PFOS, are now classified as carcinogenic or potentially carcinogenic by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
European Regulations: New Thresholds and Compliance Requirements
The EU Drinking Water Directive 2020/2184, transposed into French law in December 2022, introduces strict requirements starting January 2026:
- Maximum concentration of 0.10 µg/L for the sum of 20 regulated PFAS in drinking water.
- Mandatory testing for PFAS and other emerging micropollutants (e.g., bisphenol A, chlorates, uranium).
- Enhanced sanitary safety plans (PGSSE), transparency, and material standards.
Municipalities must act now to avoid non-compliance, service disruptions, and costly emergency measures.
Municipal Challenges: Anticipate, Test, and Justify Investments
A PFAS pilot project is a strategic tool for municipalities to:
- Reduce technical uncertainty by testing real-world performance of treatment technologies.
- Adapt solutions to local conditions: raw water quality, infrastructure, and regulatory targets.
- Access public funding (Water Agencies, ADEME, EU) with up to 70% coverage for innovative or strategic trials.
- Build trust with elected officials, regulators, and citizens through transparent, data-driven decisions.
How does it work ?
Through PFAS Resolve, Saur offers a turnkey PFAS pilot solution for municipalities and industrial clients, combining technical expertise, mobile infrastructure, and regulatory insight.
Project Phases
| Phase | Estimated Duration | Key Activities |
| Preparation | 1–3 months | Site visit, goal setting, technology selection |
| Installation | 6–12 months | Mobile unit setup, weekly testing, performance monitoring |
| Evaluation | 1 month | Data analysis, performance comparison, technology validation |
| Recommendations | 1 month | Final report, industrial implementation scenarios, CAPEX/OPEX estimates |
Pilot Types
- Optimization pilots: fine-tune a chosen technology (e.g., CarboPlus).
- Comparison pilots: test multiple solutions to guide selection.
- Co-development pilots: innovate with Saur to create new treatment pathways.
Services
- Deployment of mobile treatment units.
- Certified laboratory analysis (Cofrac).
- Funding support (Water Agency, ADEME, EU).
- Comprehensive reporting for strategic planning and grant applications.
Make Informed Decisions
In a fast-evolving regulatory landscape, a PFAS pilot project is a critical step to ensure compliance, technical reliability, and financial efficiency. Saur helps you turn uncertainty into clarity, with expert guidance from concept to implementation.
