PFAS contamination triggers temporary ban on private well water in Friuli, Italy

Arsenic‑free private artesian wells in the municipalities of Porcia, Fontanafredda, Aviano and Roveredo in Piano (province of Pordenone) were found to contain per‑ and poly‑fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at concentrations up to 100‑200 ng/L, roughly ten times the national limit of 20 ng/L. About 300 households were ordered to stop using water from these wells for drinking, cooking, food preparation and animal consumption while authorities conduct further testing. Regional health authorities and ARPA Friuli‑Venezia Giulia stressed that the public water network remains safe and continuously monitored.

Investigations point to two possible sources: leachate from an old industrial landfill at Ceolini and runoff from fire‑fighting foam used at the nearby Aviano airport. Local governments are providing public drinking‑water kiosks, home‑delivery of bottled water, and are considering subsidies to connect private‑well owners to the municipal network. The municipality of Pordenone, however, reported that its own groundwater showed no PFAS contamination, urging residents to switch to the public supply for better quality and reliability.