Toxic ‘Forever Chemicals’ contaminate England’s drinking water sources, industry demands urgent action
Raw drinking water sources across England are contaminated with dangerous levels of toxic “forever chemicals,” according to explosive new analysis seen by The Guardian.
The findings have triggered urgent calls from the water industry for ministers to ban the substances—and force manufacturers to foot the “astronomical” cleanup bill.
Areas supplied by Affinity Water and Anglian Water are among the worst affected. Experts warn the crisis may be far larger than feared.
“We are drastically underestimating the size of the problem,” said Dr. Dave Megson, a forensic environmental scientist at Manchester Metropolitan University.
What Are Forever Chemicals?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—dubbed “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in nature—are a group of over 10,000 synthetic compounds.
Used since the 1940s, they repel water, grease, and heat, making them ubiquitous in consumer products like non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, food packaging, and firefighting foams.
Two of the most notorious PFAS, PFOS and PFOA, are now banned globally. Linked to cancers, thyroid disease, fertility issues, and immune system damage, their health risks are well-documented.
But thousands of newer PFAS remain unregulated—and their toxicity is poorly understood.
“These chemicals are everywhere: in our air, soil, water, wildlife, and even human blood,” said Dr. Shubhi Sharma of the charity Chem Trust. “Drinking water is a major exposure route.”
Industry Demands: “Ban PFAS Now”
In an unprecedented move, Water UK—the industry body representing water companies—has demanded a nationwide ban.
“We want PFAS banned and a national cleanup plan funded by manufacturers,” a spokesperson said.
The call comes as data reveals alarming contamination levels.
In 2023, 199 untreated water samples exceeded 100 nanograms per liter (ng/l) for individual PFAS—the UK’s maximum advisory limit for treated tap water.
Affinity Water and Anglian Water accounted for 191 of these samples.
While water companies blend or treat supplies to meet safety standards, experts say the guidelines are dangerously outdated.
The U.S. proposes a limit of 4ng/l—25 times stricter than the UK. “Our standards are not protective enough,” warned Sharma.
Hotspots: Military Sites, Airports, Factories
PFAS pollution stems from industrial sites, airports, military bases, fire stations, and sewage plants.
A 2022 Environment Agency report estimated up to 10,000 contamination hotspots nationwide.
Data obtained by The Guardian and Watershed Investigations pinpoints extreme cases:
RAF Mildenhall, Suffolk: Anglian Water’s Beck Row source hit 1,670ng/l of PFOS—a banned carcinogen—last year. The site neighbors the former U.S. Air Force base.
Ulceby, Lincolnshire: A source near oil refineries and Humberside Airport recorded 1,270ng/l of 6:2 FTS, a firefighting foam chemical. PFOS and PFOA also breached limits.
Duxford Airfield, Cambridge: Once an RAF base, this Imperial War Museum site is under investigation for polluting South Cambridgeshire’s supplies.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) stated it prioritizes safety and complies with regulations. “We’ve agreed an investigation program with the Environment Agency,” a spokesperson said.
Water Companies Under Fire
Anglian Water—supplying 6 million people in eastern England—reported 137 contaminated samples in 2023.
The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) flagged “significant risks” at its Ulceby, Halstead, Barrow, and Warren Hill sites without intervention.
Affinity Water, serving 3.6 million in London and the southeast, logged 54 samples.
High PFOS levels forced the shutdown of its Denham source. The DWI has issued notices to five of its treatment works.
Other utilities—including United Utilities, South West Water, and Thames Water—also received warnings.
Testing Gaps: “We’re Missing 82% of PFAS”
Critics slam the UK’s narrow monitoring approach. The Environment Agency tests for just 47 PFAS types.
Dr. Megson’s research found standard methods miss 82% of contamination. “Targeted testing tells only a fraction of the story,” he said.
The Royal Society of Chemistry echoed concerns. “Statutory limits must be legally enforceable,” said policy adviser Stephanie Metzger. “No one chooses their tap water—safety can’t be optional.”
EU Moves Ahead as UK Lags
The European Union is considering sweeping PFAS regulations, but the UK has no similar plans. Industry lobbying has stalled progress abroad.
“The government is assessing PFAS risks to inform future policy,” a DEFRA spokesperson said. The Environment Agency added it is investigating Barrow and Beck Row hotspots.
Farming Link: Sewage Sludge “Time Bomb”
PFAS enters waterways via treated sewage sludge spread on farmland—a practice green groups call a “ticking time bomb.”
With over 3,000 sewage treatment plants in England, activists demand stricter sludge testing.
“Every sector must act,” said Water UK. “But polluters must pay.”
What’s Next?
Campaigners urge immediate action:
- Lower Safety Limits: Align with U.S./EU standards.
- Expand Testing: Use non-targeted methods to ID all PFAS.
- Cleanup Fund: Make manufacturers financially responsible.
“The longer we wait, the harder this gets,” said Megson. “PFAS won’t just disappear.”
