"Water companies have been ordered to tackle potentially harmful levels of so-called forever chemicals in drinking water sources for more than six million people, the BBC can reveal. Forever chemicals, or PFAS, are a group of thousands of substances used in everyday products. They are persistent pollutants which build up in the environment, and a small number have been linked to increased risk of some serious illnesses."
"Amid growing worries about these chemicals, water companies have been required since 2021 to test for 47 of the most concerning ones in water supplied to customers' homes and drinking water sources such as aquifers and reservoirs. In the last four years, 1.7 million tests for individual forever chemicals have been carried out across the network. At least 9,432 of those recorded PFAS levels above the level which the DWI says could constitute a potential danger to human health."
Water companies have been ordered to tackle potentially harmful levels of PFAS in drinking water sources serving more than six million people. PFAS are thousands of substances used in everyday products, persistent in the environment, with some linked to increased risks of serious illnesses. Since 2021 water companies have been required to test for 47 priority PFAS in water supplied to homes and sources such as aquifers and reservoirs. Over the last four years 1.7 million individual PFAS tests were conducted; at least 9,432 recorded levels above 0.01 µg/L, the threshold prompting Drinking Water Inspectorate enforcement notices requiring remedial action. Industry group Water UK says water is safe but urges a ban to prevent accumulation. Twenty-three enforcement notices were recorded across supply areas serving a minimum of six million customers.
Read at www.bbc.com
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