Raw drinking water sources across England are polluted with toxic forever chemicals, new analysis has revealed. The water sector is now demanding that ministers ban the substances and make polluters pay for the cleanup costs.
The areas covered by Affinity Water and Anglian Water were found to be particularly affected. Experts fear the scale of the problem is being underestimated. PFAS, known as forever chemicals, do not break down in the environment and are linked to cancers, thyroid disease, and fertility problems.
Water UK, the industry body, has called for a ban on PFAS and a national plan to remove them from the environment, paid for by manufacturers. The UK’s tap water is currently rated as the safest in the world, and companies are taking action to reduce PFAS levels.
In 2023, 199 untreated drinking water samples exceeded 100 nanograms per litre for individual PFAS, the maximum acceptable threshold in guidelines for treated tap water. Anglian Water accounted for 137 of these samples, and Affinity Water for 54. Water is treated or blended to ensure safe levels at taps.
Major sources of PFAS pollution include airports, military sites, chemical manufacturers, and sewage treatment plants. The Environment Agency suggests there could be up to 10,000 hotspots across the country. PFAS contamination has been detected near RAF Mildenhall and RAF Marham.
