The time has come: the swimming pool in Hallum is opening its doors again! As families gather for the first splash and childlike excitement fills the air, we are preparing to share something very special. We are going to test the water of the Hallumervaart for pollution and taste. 'The first splash' is a festive moment. This not only means that the renovated swimming pool has opened, but it is also the perfect opportunity for us at PureAqua to emphasize our commitment to pure drinking water.
Hallum: The home of PureAqua
Hallum is a historic radial terp village that originated on a tidal ridge several centuries before the beginning of the common era. In the 11th century, the sea dike, which was constructed north of the villages of Ferwerderadeel, was connected to the terp. Today, Hallum, with more than 2,800 inhabitants, is one of the largest villages in the municipality of Noardeast-Fryslân. The hamlets of Fiifhuzen and Hallumerhoek are also part of Hallum. Here, in this charming village, PureAqua is based.
In the time of the terpen (artificial dwelling mounds), a large raised bog area stretched to the east, which could store a lot of water during floods and heavy rainfall. However, in the later Middle Ages, this peat was excavated for turf, making water storage no longer possible. At the time, the small river Súdle was not yet one continuous river from Leeuwarden to Dokkum, because there was no connection between Burdaard and Bartlehiem (likely the highest part of the peat).
PureAqua is proud to have its roots in Hallum, a village with a rich history and a deeply rooted connection to water management. Our company is committed to providing pure drinking water, inspired by the historical water management practices of this region.
Friesland and water
Friesland is the province for water sports! Streams, canals, lakes, ditches, moats... the list is endless, because in Friesland we have more words for water than for bread. That makes sense, given that we have had to deal with water for centuries. We keep the sea at bay, navigate the waterways, jump over ditches using "fierljeppen" (pole vaulting), and are always finding new ways to stay dry. Water has been both our ally and our opponent for as long as we can remember.
The Quality of Frisian Waters
The water quality in Friesland has been in the news a lot lately, especially due to the high concentrations of PFAS measured in the Jelsumer Feart and Lytse Feart (GGD Fryslân, 2024). According to the GGD, the amount of PFAS you ingest through tap water is small, but is that acceptable? PFOA, PFOS, and GenX are some types of PFAS that are harmful to health. Whether you become ill from PFAS depends on how much you ingest over time. Known health effects of PFAS include: adverse effects on liver function and the immune system, increased cholesterol levels, and damage to reproduction and the development of the unborn child (lower birth weight). Two types of cancer (kidney and testicular cancer) have been linked to long-term exposure to high concentrations of PFAS (GGD Fryslân, 2024).
Much of the water in Friesland's nature does not meet European standards for water quality. Our water contains too many pesticides, fertilizers, and other harmful substances. In the spring, water is drained away too quickly, resulting in water shortages during times of drought. This is bad for plants and animals, as water is the building block of our nature. Rare plants are disappearing and meadow birds can no longer find soil organisms in the dry ground, according to Natuurmonumenten (Natuurmonumenten, 2024). Do you want to take action against this? Then sign this petition.
Fortunately, Wetterskip Fryslân regularly monitors the water quality in our work area. They measure, among other things, the presence of crop protection products, chloride, nutrients (fertilizers), water temperature, quality of bathing water, and ecological water quality. The results of these surface water measurements can be found on this page.
Is the water of the Hallumervaart drinkable?
PureAqua has tested the water quality of the Hallumervaart with a TDS meter to measure the amount of dissolved solids in the water. Although this measurement does not precisely indicate which contaminants are present, it does show that the concentration of dissolved solids is higher than in water of better quality. We will share these results in this blog soon.
Despite these findings, we dare to drink this water safely using our system. With the help of reverse osmosis filtration, we transform the polluted water, which would normally potentially cause illness, into pure drinking water. In the video below, you can see how our colleague Taeke Pieter De Jong converts the water of the Hallumervaart into pure drinking water and enjoys a glass of delicious water.
What about the quality of our bathing water?
In Friesland, we can enjoy swimming at no fewer than 34 officially designated locations. Although the Hallumervaart is not one of them, there are plenty of places to take a refreshing dip. During the swimming season, from May 1st to October 1st, our province collects water samples at these locations every two weeks. We check for the presence of fecal bacteria and blue-green algae, which can cause illness.
Curious about the current bathing water quality? Then check www.zwemwater.nl and discover where you can swim worry-free!
Pure water from your own tap?
While we enjoy our fresh, clear Dutch drinking water, it is important to pause and reflect on the invisible elements we do not directly perceive. Substances like PFAS, pharmaceutical residues, and pesticides form a hidden reality in our water, something we cannot ignore. Fortunately, with the right technology, such as reverse osmosis, and a conscious attitude, we can ensure our water not only looks pure, but is actually pure. Curious about the quality of your water? Request a free TDS meter and discover it for yourself!
We often rely on our public water supplies, but unfortunately, harmful elements such as PFAS, heavy metals, chlorine, and pharmaceutical residues can still end up in our water. A home water filtration system, such as 'The Source', can effectively remove these unwanted substances. Make sure the water you drink is truly clean.
An invitation for a pure glass of water
We cordially invite everyone in Hallum to visit PureAqua and get to know our passion for water quality. Taste a glass of deliciously pure water or enjoy a cup of tea, brewed with the purest water, and discover for yourself how good pure water can taste. In addition to our reverse osmosis systems, we offer complete water treatment solutions, such as water softeners and other systems. Do you have questions about water? Please come by, we are happy to help you!
