PFAS in UK Water: The Complete 2026 Guide to "Forever Chemicals"
Last Updated: January 2026 | Based on latest DWI, Environment Agency, and scientific research
PFAS—known as "forever chemicals"—are in UK tap water. These synthetic compounds don't break down in the environment or your body, and they've been linked to serious health concerns including cancer, thyroid disease, and immune system problems.
The UK has no legal limits for PFAS in drinking water. Water companies aren't required to remove them. But you can protect your family—if you know what to look for.
What Are PFAS (Forever Chemicals)?
PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) are a family of over 10,000 synthetic chemicals that have been manufactured since the 1940s. They're used in:
- • Non-stick cookware (Teflon)
- • Waterproof clothing (Gore-Tex, outdoor gear)
- • Food packaging (pizza boxes, microwave popcorn bags)
- • Stain-resistant fabrics (carpets, upholstery)
- • Firefighting foam (AFFF, used at airports and military bases)
- • Cosmetics and personal care products
Why "Forever Chemicals"?
PFAS contain extremely strong carbon-fluorine bonds—the strongest bonds in organic chemistry. This makes them incredibly stable. They don't break down in sunlight, water, or soil. They don't break down in your body either. Once PFAS enter your system, they can remain for years.
Is PFAS in UK Tap Water?
Yes. Multiple investigations have found PFAS in UK drinking water supplies:
2023 Investigation Findings
A joint investigation by The Guardian and other media outlets found PFAS in drinking water supplies serving millions of UK residents. Hotspots included areas near airports, military bases, and industrial sites where firefighting foam was used.
Environment Agency Data
The Environment Agency has identified PFAS contamination in rivers, groundwater, and soil across England. Many drinking water sources draw from these contaminated supplies.
Where Does PFAS Come From?
- • Firefighting foam — Used at airports, military bases, and fire training facilities
- • Industrial discharge — Manufacturing facilities using PFAS in products
- • Landfill leachate — PFAS from discarded products seeping into groundwater
- • Wastewater treatment — Conventional treatment doesn't remove PFAS
- • Agricultural runoff — Biosolids (treated sewage sludge) used as fertiliser
Health Risks of PFAS Exposure
The science on PFAS health effects is still evolving, but research has linked exposure to:
Established Links:
- • Increased cholesterol
- • Thyroid disease
- • Kidney cancer
- • Testicular cancer
- • Pregnancy-induced hypertension
- • Ulcerative colitis
Under Investigation:
- • Immune system suppression
- • Reduced vaccine effectiveness
- • Liver damage
- • Developmental effects in children
- • Fertility issues
- • Other cancers
Important: PFAS accumulate in your body over time. Even low-level exposure adds up. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has dramatically lowered its "tolerable weekly intake" for PFAS based on immune system effects—by a factor of more than 1,000 compared to previous guidance.
UK Regulation: Where Do We Stand?
The UK currently has no legal limits for PFAS in drinking water. Here's how we compare:
| Region | PFAS Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|
| UK | 100 ng/L (guidance only) | Not legally binding |
| EU | 100 ng/L for 20 PFAS | Legal limit (2026) |
| USA (EPA) | 4 ng/L for PFOA/PFOS | Legal limit (2024) |
| Denmark | 2 ng/L total PFAS | Legal limit |
The UK's 100 ng/L guidance is 25 times weaker than the US EPA limit and 50 times weaker than Denmark's. Water companies are not required to test for PFAS, remove it, or even report levels to customers.
Which Water Filters Actually Remove PFAS?
Not all filters are created equal when it comes to PFAS. Here's what the research shows:
Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems — 90-99% Removal
RO systems force water through a semi-permeable membrane that blocks most contaminants, including PFAS. They're the most effective option for home use.
- • Highest PFAS removal rate
- • Also removes lead, arsenic, nitrates
- • Under-sink installation
- • Higher upfront cost (£200-500)
- • Wastes some water
- • Removes beneficial minerals
Activated Carbon Filters — 60-90% Removal
Granular activated carbon (GAC) and carbon block filters can remove significant amounts of PFAS, though effectiveness varies by filter quality and PFAS type.
- • More affordable (£100-300)
- • No water waste
- • Retains minerals
- • Lower PFAS removal than RO
- • Effectiveness decreases over time
- • Must replace filters regularly
Ion Exchange Resins — 80-95% Removal
Specialised ion exchange resins can effectively remove PFAS. Often combined with activated carbon in multi-stage systems.
Basic Jug Filters — Less Than 50% Removal
Standard Brita-style jug filters use small amounts of activated carbon and are not effective at removing PFAS. Some premium jug filters with specialised media perform better, but under-sink systems are generally more reliable.
Boiling Water — 0% Removal
Boiling water does not remove PFAS. In fact, it can concentrate PFAS as water evaporates.
What to Look For in a PFAS-Removing Filter
- NSF/ANSI P473 certification — This is the specific standard for PFAS reduction. Look for filters tested and certified to this standard.
- Independent lab testing — Reputable manufacturers publish third-party test results showing PFAS removal rates.
- Reverse osmosis or quality carbon block — These technologies have the best track record for PFAS removal.
- Regular filter replacement — PFAS removal effectiveness decreases as filters age. Follow manufacturer guidelines.
Warning: Many filters claim to remove "contaminants" without specifying PFAS. If PFAS removal isn't explicitly stated and certified, assume the filter doesn't effectively remove them.
What You Can Do Right Now
1. Check Your Local Water Quality
Contact your water company and ask specifically about PFAS testing. Some companies now publish PFAS data; many don't. You can also check the Drinking Water Inspectorate website for water quality reports.
2. Install a Certified Filter
For peace of mind, install a filter certified for PFAS removal. An under-sink RO system or quality carbon block filter provides reliable protection.
Compare PFAS-certified water filters →3. Reduce Other PFAS Exposure
Water isn't your only PFAS source. Consider:
- • Avoiding non-stick cookware (use stainless steel or cast iron)
- • Choosing PFAS-free waterproof clothing
- • Avoiding microwave popcorn bags and greasy food packaging
- • Checking cosmetics for PFAS ingredients (look for "fluoro" in ingredients)
4. Support Stronger Regulation
Contact your MP and support campaigns calling for legally binding PFAS limits in UK drinking water. Organisations like Surfers Against Sewage and environmental groups are pushing for change.
The Bottom Line
PFAS are in UK tap water, and the government isn't doing enough about it. While we wait for regulation to catch up with the science, the most reliable way to protect your family is to filter your drinking water yourself.
My recommendation: If you're concerned about PFAS, invest in a reverse osmosis system or a quality carbon block filter certified for PFAS removal. It's a one-time purchase that provides years of protection—regardless of what water companies do or don't do.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are PFAS (forever chemicals)?
PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) are a group of over 10,000 synthetic chemicals used in non-stick coatings, waterproof fabrics, food packaging, and firefighting foam. They're called "forever chemicals" because they don't break down naturally in the environment or the human body.
Is PFAS in UK tap water?
Yes. PFAS has been detected in tap water across the UK. A 2023 investigation found PFAS in drinking water supplies serving millions of people. The UK currently has no legal limits for PFAS in drinking water, unlike the EU and US which have implemented stricter standards.
Do water filters remove PFAS?
Some do, some don't. Reverse osmosis systems remove 90-99% of PFAS. Activated carbon filters (especially granular activated carbon or GAC) can remove 60-90% depending on the specific PFAS compounds. Basic jug filters typically remove less than 50%. Always look for filters tested specifically for PFAS removal.
What are the health risks of PFAS?
Research links PFAS exposure to increased cholesterol, thyroid disease, immune system effects, certain cancers (kidney, testicular), reproductive issues, and developmental effects in children. The science is still evolving, but health agencies worldwide are increasingly concerned.
Why doesn't the UK regulate PFAS in water?
The UK currently uses a "guidance value" of 100 ng/L for total PFAS, but this isn't a legal limit. The EU has implemented a 100 ng/L limit for 20 specific PFAS compounds, and the US EPA has set limits as low as 4 ng/L for certain PFAS. UK regulation is expected to tighten, but no timeline has been announced.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available research, government reports, and scientific literature. All information was accurate at the time of writing (January 2026). PFAS science is rapidly evolving; we review this content periodically for updates. Product recommendations are based on 24 years of professional experience in water filtration. For specific health concerns, consult a medical professional.