Industrial water management is undergoing a silent revolution. Behind the scenes, new regulations, increasing consumer scrutiny, and a wave of environmental awareness are forcing industries to rethink how they handle wastewater—and particularly, how they deal with micropollutants and emerging contaminants like PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances).
If your facility discharges wastewater, what was compliant yesterday may no longer meet tomorrow’s standards. Here’s why staying ahead of this evolution is not just a matter of compliance, but of resilience and reputation.
Regulatory pressure is accelerating
Across Europe and globally, environmental authorities are tightening the screws on water quality. The updated EU Drinking Water Directive (2020/2184), transposed into national law, mandates routine monitoring of PFAS and other micropollutants starting in 2026.
Though PFAS have been widely used since the 1950s in both industrial processes and consumer products, they were not included in previous drinking water and wastewater regulations. This delayed oversight has raised concerns about long-term bioaccumulation and ecological risks, especially in aquatic environments.
In parallel, industrial discharge permits are being re-evaluated, often including substances that were previously unregulated or under the radar. And with the revision of the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED) on the horizon, facilities could soon face sector-specific discharge limits for PFAS and related compounds.
“Many industries still operate under legacy permits that don’t reflect the current scientific understanding of pollutants like PFAS. That’s changing fast.”
— Yannick Severin, PFAS expert, Nijhuis SAUR Industries
From ‘unaware’ to under scrutiny
Historically, many industries were unaware of their PFAS emissions. Why? Because most processes weren’t designed with PFAS in mind—and until recently, testing for them was not required.
Today, however, sewage treatment plants and public utilities are tracing PFAS sources upstream. Industries that never considered themselves part of the problem are now being identified as contributors—sometimes due to indirect inputs, like materials containing fluorinated compounds.
Knowing your PFAS profile will be a major advantage to be ahead of any potential risks. Find out more here :
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Consumers are paying attention
Beyond legal obligations, consumer expectations are rising fast. Buyers, investors, and NGOs are holding companies accountable for their environmental footprint, and wastewater is a growing focus.
From chemical industry to pharmaceuticals, clients and consumers are asking:
- What happens to your wastewater?
- Do you test for PFAS?
- Are you discharging persistent pollutants?
In many cases, water stewardship is becoming a brand issue. Not having an answer can be more damaging than admitting you’re working on one.
Diagnosis is now strategy
What’s the best way forward? Start with a diagnosis. A micropollutant and PFAS diagnosis isn’t just about identifying problems—it’s the foundation of a treatment roadmap.
We help industrial sites:
- Map their pollutant profile (including short-chain and legacy PFAS)
- Understand regulatory exposure by country and region
- Recommend appropriate treatment solutions based on the PFAS signature, wastewater matrix, and discharge/destruction scenario
- Evaluate CAPEX/OPEX trade-offs between removal, concentration, and destruction technologies
“There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The right approach combines analysis, technology, and compliance strategy tailored to each site.”
— Yannick Severin, Nijhuis SAUR Industries
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What’s next for industrial water managers?
With enforcement deadlines fast approaching, and reputational risks rising, water managers must shift from reactive compliance to proactive planning. That means:
- Testing for PFAS—before it becomes mandatory
- Collaborating with specialists to develop a comprehensive PFAS management strategy, which may include measures such as phasing out PFAS-containing inputs and implementing treatment solutions for segregated or end-of-pipe streams.
- Anticipating stakeholder expectations, not just meeting today’s rules
Talk to our PFAS Experts
SAUR combines technical expertise, field experience, and access to a wide range of treatment technologies—from activated carbon and ion exchange to advanced destruction methods.
📥 Schedule a PFAS Diagnostic Review
Let’s build your action plan—before regulators or the media come knocking.