Taiwan Moves to Tighten PFAS Controls in Surface Waters
Nov 4, 2025 — Taipei
In a major step toward strengthening water protection, Taiwan’s Ministry of Environment (MOENV) has proposed amendments to the Classification and Water Quality Standards for Surface Water Bodies, introducing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as regulated contaminants for the first time.
Under the draft proposal, the combined concentration limit for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS)—two of the most recognized PFAS—is set at 50 ng/L, matching Taiwan’s existing drinking water quality standards. The move aims to curb PFAS pollution in rivers and lakes, thereby reducing potential risks to human health and aquatic ecosystems.
PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” are widely used in products such as firefighting foams, non-stick coatings, and water-repellent materials. Known for their persistence and bioaccumulation, these substances have been linked to hormonal disruption, immune effects, and certain cancers.
By including PFAS in surface water standards, Taiwan joins a growing number of countries tightening PFAS regulations in line with global trends seen in the EU, US, Japan, and South Korea. MOENV stated that the update reflects Taiwan’s commitment to align national environmental policies with international best practices.
The proposed amendment also revises several other parameters to improve monitoring accuracy. Key changes include replacing the “coliform group” with E. coli for more precise fecal contamination tracking, updating ammonia nitrogen limits for Class C waters, introducing new standards for Class D waters, and defining “recreational water use” to address increasing public demand for safe water-based activities.
MOENV emphasized that this update forms part of an ongoing review process to ensure that Taiwan’s water quality standards remain scientifically sound and responsive to emerging environmental challenges.
Detailed draft documents will be available on the Executive Yuan Gazette Online (http://gazette.nat.gov.tw/egFront/) within three days of the announcement.
Source: https://join.gov.tw/policies/detail/25542877-f962-4f9b-a087-96e1c5c50a2c
