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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

22.08.2024 - 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. Starting in 2025, the federal government will provide a new drought platform with information for early detection (monitoring and forecasting) and warnings for all of Switzerland.

WMO Award

Station Sitter Appenzell

Hydrological measuring stations awarded by the WMO

05.07.2023 - The FOEN hydrological measuring stations Thur-Andelfingen, Birs-Münchenstein and Sitter-Appenzell have been awarded as Centennial Observing Stations in May 2023.

'SeeWandel' research project

Bodensee

End of 'SeeWandel' international research project

13.06.2023 - Since 2018, researchers from three countries have been studying how Lake Constance is responding to nutrient decline, invasive species and climate change. The results, which show that these stress factors have a significant impact on the ecosystem, will be presented and discussed at two events in Constance to mark the end of the project.

Hydraulic engineering and ecology

Riverscape – sediment dynamics and connectivity

The research project ‘Riverscape – sediment dynamics and connectivity’ combines the topics of hydraulic engineering and ecology. Researchers have worked together to establish fundamental principles and propose solutions for the restoration of sediment dynamics and habitat connectivity. The most important results relevant to practice are presented in this publication.

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

Current news

All news

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To the Federal Administration News Portal

https://www.bafu.admin.ch/content/bafu/en/home/topics/water.html