paroolSep 14, 2026, 17:46

Water quality around Amsterdam will not meet European standards by 2027, water board allocates extra funds

The Amstel, Gooi and Vecht water board has confirmed it will miss the 2027 European water quality targets due to complex environmental pressures. In response, the board has raised its investment budget to nearly 100 million euros to fund infrastructure improvements like defosfation plants and nature-friendly riverbanks.

The Amstel, Gooi and Vecht water board has announced that while water quality is gradually improving, it will not meet all European Water Framework Directive standards by the 2027 deadline. Factors such as climate change, invasive crayfish, and bottom-feeding fish continue to hinder progress, with none of the water bodies in the board's jurisdiction currently meeting all required goals. Despite these challenges, the board noted that 92 percent of water quality metrics are currently being met, showing progress in ecological health and nutrient levels.

To combat these issues, the water board is increasing its investment program from 80.4 million to 99.9 million euros. Planned measures include the construction of three defosfation plants and the creation of more nature-friendly riverbanks to support biodiversity. Water board official Jennifer Bloemberg emphasized that achieving these goals requires a collaborative effort from municipalities, farmers, and the national government. The board also called for stricter regulations on substances like PFAS and encouraged public cooperation in waste management to help ensure cleaner water across the Netherlands.

Health World

Read original ↗

Based on reporting by parool. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

NVWA: squishy dumplings, which were pulled from shelves en masse, are not dangerous for children after all

The Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) has determined that squishy dumpling toys are safe for children despite concerns over a strong chemical odor. Lab testing revealed that the scent, which resembles gasoline, comes from low levels of volatile organic compounds that do not pose a health risk.

Actress Hayden Panettiere died from combination of drugs and medication

Actress Hayden Panettiere died at the age of 36 on August 16 due to an accidental combination of fentanyl and other medications. Known for her roles in Heroes, Nashville, and the Scream film franchise, she had previously spoken openly about her struggles with addiction.

PFAS in Amsterdam's drinking water mainly comes from polluted Rhine: ‘The solution lies largely in Germany’

Amsterdam's drinking water contains PFAS levels exceeding recommended safety guidelines. Research indicates that the majority of these chemicals originate from the Rhine river before it enters the Netherlands, suggesting that solutions must be sought at the source in Germany.

World Cup visitors bombarded with fast food and drink advertisements

A study found that unhealthy food and drink brands dominated advertising during the World Cup, appearing in over 70 percent of all visible branding throughout the live matches. These advertisements were present for nearly a quarter of total playtime, with four major global companies accounting for the vast majority of the exposure.

Dutch Safety Board sounds alarm: refugee children in emergency shelters living in unsafe conditions

The Dutch Safety Board has released a report warning that refugee children in emergency shelters face unsafe living conditions, including poor sanitation and limited privacy. The board has called on the Minister of Asylum and Migration to urgently address these systemic failures as approximately 7,000 children remain in precarious housing nationwide.