Home / Environment / Regulator Flags Carcinogenic "Forever Chemicals" in UK Drinking Water Supplies
Regulator Flags Carcinogenic "Forever Chemicals" in UK Drinking Water Supplies
3 Nov
Summary
- Drinking water watchdog orders action on Pfas contamination in untreated water
- Hundreds of water treatment sites serving over 6 million people affected
- Cleanup costs estimated at £1.6 trillion across UK and Europe over 20 years
As of November 3rd, 2025, the UK's drinking water watchdog has raised serious concerns about the presence of harmful "forever chemicals" in untreated water sources across England and Wales. The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) has ordered water companies to take action after detecting high levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (Pfas) that "could constitute a potential danger to human health".
Pfas are a group of synthetic chemicals used for their waterproof and grease-resistant properties. These compounds persist in the environment, can accumulate in the body, and have been linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and fertility issues. An analysis of DWI data found that the regulator had flagged Pfas contamination in hundreds of water treatment works, reservoirs, and supply systems serving over 6 million people.
Major water providers like Anglian Water, Wessex Water, Severn Trent Water, and Affinity Water have all been instructed to address the issue. The companies have been given deadlines to either blend contaminated supplies with cleaner water or upgrade their treatment processes to remove the Pfas. Experts warn that the total cost of cleaning up Pfas pollution across the UK and Europe could reach an astronomical £1.6 trillion over the next 20 years.
The UK's Pfas limits in drinking water have been dramatically reduced in recent years, from 10,000 nanograms per liter for PFOA in 2007 to just 100 ng/l for a group of 48 Pfas compounds in 2021. However, critics argue that these standards are still not protective enough, and that urgent action is needed to stop the production and use of these "forever chemicals" to prevent further environmental damage.
