The Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) is calling on the UK Government to overhaul its drinking water standards after a new analysis reveals more than a third of water courses tested in England and Wales contain medium or high-risk levels of PFAS. This group, more commonly known as forever chemicals, is linked to a range of health issues including testicular cancer, fertility issues and developmental defects in unborn children.

The RSC has produced an interactive map showing PFAS concentration levels in water courses across England and Wales, and is calling on people to write to your MP.

Quoted by the Guardian, the chief inspector of the DWI, Marcus Rink, said he “expects [water] companies to be developing strategies for investigating the extent of sources of PFAS in their catchments, raw and final water and developing strategies that detail trigger levels and actions required to reduce the risk of PFAS in drinking water”.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said drinking water standards in England were of “an exceptionally high standard and are among the best in the world. Water companies are required to carry out regular risk assessments and sampling for any substance – including PFAS – that they believe may cause the water supply to pose a risk to human health.

“Work is continuing across government to help us assess levels of PFAS occurring in the environment, their sources and potential risks to inform future policy and regulatory approaches.”

Water UK, the industry body, said: “Companies adhere to high standards set by regulators, with virtually all samples meeting their strict tests.”

Comprehensive review

Health and environmental impacts prompt a call for strict ruling on ubiquitous ‘forever chemicals’. The characteristics and widespread effects of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances demand their replacement with fluorine-free alternatives, say the writers of a comprehensive review on their use.

Researchers publish a 13-point list of reasons for a complete phase-out of PFAS, and the development of fluorine-free alternative.