PFAS water crisis hits northern Italy towns

In the Pianura Pordenonese of Friuli, authorities have prohibited the use of private well water for drinking and cooking in four municipalities – Aviano, Fontanafredda, Porcia and Roveredo in Piano – after tests revealed permanent PFAS contamination affecting about 300 households. The ban, issued jointly by the mayors, urges residents to connect to the public water system, use active‑carbon filters if necessary, and attend a public information meeting in Porcia. Possible sources under investigation include a nearby industrial landfill, historic fire‑fighting foam use, and activities at the adjacent Aviano air base.

At the same time, the Piemonte region has launched a PFAS technical‑scientific observatory to monitor and mitigate contamination across its water network. The observatory reported a new mass‑balance monitoring system that maps PFAS levels in surface waters, especially the Po River, and identified compounds such as PFOS, PFOA and the emerging cC₆O₄. Ongoing research tests treatment options including reverse osmosis, activated‑carbon filters, ion‑exchange resins, foam fractionation and chemical pre‑treatment. A biomonitoring program has already examined over 900 residents in Spinetta Marengo, linking health surveillance with environmental data. The region plans additional monitoring campaigns and aims to shape future PFAS policies based on these findings.