PFAS Risk Governance in public-private relationships
Short description
PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” have become one of the greatest and most complex environmental challenges of our time. In Sweden, groundwater has been found to be particularly vulnerable to PFAS contamination. This is worrying because 1.2 million Swedes use their own wells for drinking water. This research project focuses on private well owners who are outside the regulated water management system.
PFAS in groundwater – whose responsibility?
The project investigates how well owners perceive the risks associated with PFAS, how municipalities respond to their concerns, and how contact with authorities works. Since private wells are not part of the municipal water network, responsibility for clean water often falls on the well owners themselves – something that raises questions about fairness and responsibility.
Many municipalities focus on technical solutions for their own water networks, while well owners feel that their needs are being overlooked. This creates frustration, health concerns, and reduced trust in the authorities. The study examines risk management with a focus on the environmental health risks of PFAS contamination of drinking water as a vital food source.
Aim to improve cooperation
The aim of the project is to find ways to improve cooperation between well owners and public actors – so that more people have access to safe and clean water.
By creating a better understanding of the problems and challenges faced by private well owners, the project can contribute to the development of more effective and sustainable solutions. These solutions may also involve developing new methods for monitoring and analyzing PFAS in groundwater and creating better communication channels between well owners and authorities.
Important research results for Sweden and Belgium
The project's results could be really important in both Sweden and Belgium, where they have similar PFAS issues. Through document analysis, interviews with key individuals, focus group discussions, and workshops at two study sites in Sweden, followed by a comparative analysis in Belgium, the project will explore these perceptions, relationships, and responsibilities in PFAS risk management.
By understanding how individuals and authorities interact on environmental and health issues, the research can help to make society better equipped to face future environmental challenges.