Metabolites of the fungicide chlorothalonil pollute the groundwater in large areas with more than 0.1 micrograms per litre. Metabolites are present in these concentrations in more than half of the cantons. The Swiss Plateau, which is used intensively for agriculture, is the main region affected.
Chlorothalonil, an active substance applied in plant protection products, has been used in Swiss agriculture since the 1970s. After the FSVO reassessed this substance with regard to its potential health risk, attention has focused on chlorothalonil metabolites in drinking water. 80% of drinking water in Switzerland is extracted from groundwater.
Limit for drinking water and groundwater
Groundwater that is used as drinking water or which is intended for this purpose must meet the requirements of foodstuffs legislation after basic treatment procedures have been carried out (Waters Protection Ordinance WPO). The maximum values specified in the DWBSO (Federal Department of Home Affairs (FDHA) Ordinance of 16 December 2016 on Drinking Water and Water in Public Baths and Shower Facilities) therefore also apply as limit values (numerical requirement of the WPO) for groundwater.
For metabolites of plant protection products that are classified as relevant in regards to drinking water, a limit of 0.1 micrograms per litre applies.
Metabolites of chlorothalonil, a substance found in plant protection products, were detected in groundwater for the first time in 2017 during a pilot study of the NAQUA National Groundwater Monitoring, which is operated by the FOEN in close cooperation with the cantonal authorities. In 2018, the analyses were extended to further monitoring sites. A national data set from the NAQUA monitoring sites has been available for the chlorothalonil metabolite R417888 since 2019, and for the chlorothalonil metabolite R471811 since 2020.
Every third monitoring site affected
Four chlorothalonil metabolites are present in concentrations exceeding 0.1 micrograms per litre in groundwater. In particular, the two metabolites R471811 and R417888 contaminate the groundwater in many areas of the Swiss Plateau used for agriculture. Values of over 0.1 micrograms per litre have been detected in the cantons of Aargau, Bern, Fribourg, Geneva, Graubünden, Jura, Lucerne, Neuchâtel, St. Gallen, Schaffhausen, Solothurn, Thurgau, Vaud, Valais, Zug and Zurich. At a small number of monitoring sites, the metabolites R419492 and SYN507900 have also been found in higher concentrations.
Ground water is especially affected by the metabolite chlorothalonil R471811, which exceeds 0.1 micrograms per litre at more than 60% of monitoring sites on the Swiss Plateau. Across the country, every third monitoring site is affected.
The metabolite chlorothalonil R417888 exceeds 0.1 micrograms per litre in groundwater of the Swiss Plateau at over 20% of the monitoring sites.
Chlorothalonil R471811 in groundwater (2020)
Maximum concentration per NAQUA monitoring site. LOQ: Analytical limit of quantification.
© OFEN
Chlorothalonil R471888 in groundwater (2020)
Maximum concentration per NAQUA monitoring site. LOQ: Analytical limit of quantification.
© FOENAs the renewal of groundwater takes a relatively long time and the chlorothalonil metabolites are very persistent, it can be assumed that these contaminants significantly impair groundwater for many years.
Groundwater quality on site
All data gathered as part of the NAQUA national groundwater monitoring are made available to the cantonal authorities. The water suppliers concerned are also informed about the results. The cantonal authorities are responsible for providing detailed information on groundwater quality of a specific region or location. The water suppliers inform their customers about the quality of the local drinking water.
National Groundwater Monitoring (NAQUA)
The NAQUA national groundwater monitoring project records the condition and evolution of groundwater nationwide and enables the effectiveness of the measures to be assessed. In close cooperation with the cantonal authorities, NAQUA monitors the quality and quantity of groundwater at over 600 monitoring sites and reports on long-term changes.
Specific analysis of individual pollutants or pollutant groups is also carried out through pilot studies and thus the need for their inclusion in the long-term monitoring is assessed.
Further Information
Last modification 23.08.2022
