Eurofins Water Hygiene Testing UK offers targeted analysis of Trifluoroacetic Acid (TFA) and related ultrashort-chain PFAS compounds in water. These persistent and mobile contaminants are drawing increasing attention from regulators and public health authorities across Europe.
Rising concern over TFA in water systems
A recent report from the PAN Network and Global 2000 highlighted the growing presence of TFA in food and drink, particularly linked to degradation products from commonly used pesticides. While the study focused on wine, it reinforces broader findings that TFA is now frequently detected in:
- Municipal drinking water
- Surface and groundwater
- Rainwater and precipitation
- Fruit juices and teas
- Environmental waters near urban and agricultural sites
TFA is highly mobile and resistant to breakdown, meaning it can persist in the environment and enter water supplies even at great distances from the original source.
Why TFA matters in water testing
- Regulatory pressure is increasing: The EU Drinking Water Directive now sets limits for total PFAS, and scientific bodies are calling for these limits to explicitly cover ultrashort-chain compounds like TFA.
- Public scrutiny is growing: As media attention on ‘forever chemicals’ increases, so does consumer concern about drinking water safety.
- Widespread environmental presence: Over 45 pesticide active substances authorised in the EU are known to degrade into TFA, making ongoing monitoring essential.
Eurofins testing support for water providers and environmental stakeholders
Eurofins Water Hygiene Testing UK provides validated methods for detecting and quantifying TFA and other ultrashort-chain PFAS at trace levels. We support:
- Regulatory compliance with EU and UK water quality standards
- Monitoring programmes for public and private water supplies
- Environmental risk assessments for surface and groundwater
- Infrastructure planning and treatment optimisation
Our laboratories combine specialist PFAS expertise with proven logistics and nationwide sampling support, making it easier to track these emerging contaminants and take action where needed.
Find out more about our PFAS testing services for water by visiting our PFAS testing webpage, submitting an enquiry form or calling +44 (0) 845 604 6740.
