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TFA in groundwater

Wasserprobe

NAQUA: TFA in groundwater

Trifluoroacetic acid – TFA – is present everywhere in groundwater. However, concentrations differ clearly depending on the location. This is shown by a pilot study of the NAQUA National Groundwater Monitoring. TFA is a very small, highly mobile and yet persistent PFAS, which is released primarily as a degradation product of plant protection products, refrigerants and industrial chemicals.

Drought - monitoring

Drought: monitoring and forecasting

Droughts are increasing in Switzerland due to climate change. Droughts can be a challenge for agriculture, energy supply, ecosystems and other areas. This is where the project 'Development and expansion of an early detection and warning system for drought' comes in. The federal drought platform provides information for early detection (monitoring and forecasting) and warnings for all of Switzerland.

At a glance

Ground water

Good quality groundwater is available in sufficient quantities almost everywhere in Switzerland. Traces of artificial, rather persistent substances are found mainly below cropland and in settlement areas.

Rivers and streams

Water supply depends on natural factors and is influenced by hydropower production and climate change. The FOEN is monitoring the water flow and flow regime of Swiss bodies of water. 

Lakes

Nutrient loads in Swiss lakes have been reduced due to intensive efforts to protect bodies of water. Although water quality has improved, several lakes are still over-fertilized. In addition, many ecologically important sections of shore are affected.

Extreme events

The FOEN monitors current floods and low-flow situations, analyses them and informs the public.

Protecting and improving the quality of lakes and rivers

Surface waters are those habitats in Switzerland that have departed the most from their natural state. The federal government's water protection policy aims to restore the value of rivers, streams and lakeshores.

Monitoring data and statistics

Current monitoring data on bodies of water, the possibility of obtaining data, information about extreme value statistics and data on the water withdrawn and returned

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