VOC in groundwater
Volatile organic compounds (VOC) are mainly used as solvents, coolants or raw materials in industry and commerce. Motor fuels also contain VOC. These substances can reach groundwater due to incorrect handling during production, transport or storage and during use and disposal. Volatile halogenated hydrocarbons (VHH), in particular from contaminated sites, can pollute the groundwater.
Groundwater is Switzerland’s main drinking water resource. Over 80% of Swiss drinking water is extracted from groundwater.
poor
positive
At around 3% of NAQUA monitoring sites across the country, the concentration of volatile halogenated hydrocarbons is above the numerical requirement of the Waters Protection Ordinance (WPO) of 1 µg/l. The concentrations are generally highest in the developed areas, where the numerical requirement is exceeded at 10% of monitoring sites. On the other hand, monocyclic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are rarely present in groundwater.
Between 2009 and 2020, the number of monitoring sites at which volatile halogenated hydrocarbons were detected in concentrations of more than 1 µg/l fell from just under 5% to 3%. Therefore, the development is considered positive.
To reduce groundwater pollution specifically from volatile halogenated hydrocarbons, contaminated sites are being systematically recorded and remediation measures undertaken on those which pose a risk to groundwater.
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Due to different general conditions, a direct international comparison of statistical data is not possible.
The concentration of volatile halogenated hydrocarbons in Swiss groundwater is recorded at the national level as part of the National Groundwater Monitoring NAQUA. The NAQUA monitoring network covers 545 monitoring sites and is operated by the Federal Office for the Environment in close cooperation with the cantonal authorities. The NAQUA long term monitoring tests for about 20 different VHHs. The maximum value per NAQUA monitoring site per year is used for the statistical analyses.
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