What steps is the Welsh Government taking to collect data on the uses and hazardous properties of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances in water systems throughout Wales?
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) monitors and collects data in line with the requirements of the Water Framework Directive (England and Wales) Regulations.
NRW currently monitors two specific substances which belong this this group of chemicals, Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). These are monitored in water (41 sampling sites) and biota (8 sampling sites).
This issue is being discussed at UK level, with specific discussions on extended monitoring via the ‘Network of reference laboratories, research centres and related organisations for monitoring of emerging environmental substances’ (NORMAN), in which Welsh Government is engaged.