Recital (15)

New scientific evidence points to a significant risk from several other pollutants found in water bodies, in addition to those already regulated. In groundwater, a particular problem has been identified through voluntary monitoring for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and pharmaceuticals. PFAS have been detected at more than 70 % of the groundwater measuring points in the Union and existing national threshold values are clearly exceeded at a considerable number of locations. A subset of specific PFAS should therefore be added to the list of groundwater pollutants. In surface waters, perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and its derivatives are already listed as priority substances, but other PFAS are now also recognised as posing a risk. A subset of specific PFAS should therefore be added to the list of priority substances. Voluntary monitoring in groundwater and watch-list monitoring under Article 8b of Directive 2008/105/EC have also confirmed a risk in groundwaters and surface waters from a number of pharmaceutical substances which should therefore be added, as relevant, to the list of pollutants in Annex I to Directive 2006/118/EC or to the priority substances list in Annex I to Directive 2008/105/EC. In groundwater, the Commission should consider addressing the cumulative risk from pharmaceuticals, by setting quality standards for the sum(s) of selected pharmaceuticals, potentially based on mode of action, at the next review. For that reason, sum(s) of selected pharmaceuticals by mode of action should be added to Annex V to Directive 2006/118/EC. In surface water, the cumulative risk from estrogenic pharmaceuticals should be addressed by effect-based monitoring and, taking into account data from more recent and ongoing watch-list monitoring, the Commission should consider setting standards for the sum(s) of selected pharmaceuticals, potentially based on mode of action, at the next review; for that reason sum(s) of selected pharmaceuticals by mode of action should be added to Annex III to Directive 2008/105/EC. The Commission should also consider setting standards for total pharmaceuticals, supported by appropriate monitoring methods. Member States are encouraged to monitor also the totality of PFAS (PFAS Total) in groundwater using the guidance adopted under Article 13(7) of Directive (EU) 2020/2184. The Commission should consider the guidance and the results obtained by Member States in defining a monitoring method for PFAS Total specifically in groundwater and encourage Member States to apply it. The Commission should adapt that monitoring method to facilitate the monitoring of PFAS Total in surface water and encourage the Member States to apply it. The Commission should also consider setting quality standards for PFAS Total in groundwater and surface waters during the next review of the lists of pollutants set out in Annex I to Directives 2006/118/EC and Annex I to Directive 2008/105/EC.