UK Drinking Water Regulator Orders Immediate Action Over Toxic "Forever Chemicals"
A UK watchdog has issued an urgent warning to water companies over the presence of highly toxic substances in drinking water supplies, known as "forever chemicals." Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (Pfas), used for their waterproof and grease-resistant properties, have been linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and fertility problems.
According to data analyzed by Watershed Investigations and the BBC, hundreds of water treatment works, reservoirs, boreholes, and supply systems serving over 6 million people in England and Wales have been found to be contaminated with Pfas. Anglian Water, Wessex Water, Severn Trent Water, South Staffordshire Water, and United Utilities have all been ordered to take immediate action.
The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) has given the companies deadlines to reduce the risk posed by Pfas contamination, typically through increased monitoring, improved treatment processes, or blending contaminated supplies with cleaner water. The regulator's safety limits for Pfas in drinking water are currently set at 100 nanograms per liter, but experts argue that these levels are not protective enough.
"This is a huge global challenge," said a Water UK spokesperson, calling for the chemicals to be banned and a national plan to remove them from the environment. "We can all have complete confidence in the quality of our tap water whenever and wherever we use it." However, industry experts argue that tackling Pfas pollution will require upgrading treatment technology, including nanofiltration or ion exchange resins.
The cost of cleaning up Pfas is estimated at £1.6 trillion across the UK and Europe over a 20-year period, an annual bill of £84 billion. The EU is considering a wide-ranging restriction on thousands of Pfas but industry resistance is strong.
Dr Shubhi Sharma from Chem Trust warned that removing Pfas from supplies is "astronomically expensive" and urged ministers to apply the polluter-pays principle. "We really need to turn off the Pfas pollution tap at the source by urgently stopping the production and use of these forever toxic chemicals," she said.
The UK government has been criticized for its response to the crisis, with many experts arguing that the current standards are not sufficient. As the country grapples with this environmental disaster, it remains to be seen whether action will be taken to address the issue before it's too late.
A UK watchdog has issued an urgent warning to water companies over the presence of highly toxic substances in drinking water supplies, known as "forever chemicals." Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (Pfas), used for their waterproof and grease-resistant properties, have been linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and fertility problems.
According to data analyzed by Watershed Investigations and the BBC, hundreds of water treatment works, reservoirs, boreholes, and supply systems serving over 6 million people in England and Wales have been found to be contaminated with Pfas. Anglian Water, Wessex Water, Severn Trent Water, South Staffordshire Water, and United Utilities have all been ordered to take immediate action.
The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) has given the companies deadlines to reduce the risk posed by Pfas contamination, typically through increased monitoring, improved treatment processes, or blending contaminated supplies with cleaner water. The regulator's safety limits for Pfas in drinking water are currently set at 100 nanograms per liter, but experts argue that these levels are not protective enough.
"This is a huge global challenge," said a Water UK spokesperson, calling for the chemicals to be banned and a national plan to remove them from the environment. "We can all have complete confidence in the quality of our tap water whenever and wherever we use it." However, industry experts argue that tackling Pfas pollution will require upgrading treatment technology, including nanofiltration or ion exchange resins.
The cost of cleaning up Pfas is estimated at £1.6 trillion across the UK and Europe over a 20-year period, an annual bill of £84 billion. The EU is considering a wide-ranging restriction on thousands of Pfas but industry resistance is strong.
Dr Shubhi Sharma from Chem Trust warned that removing Pfas from supplies is "astronomically expensive" and urged ministers to apply the polluter-pays principle. "We really need to turn off the Pfas pollution tap at the source by urgently stopping the production and use of these forever toxic chemicals," she said.
The UK government has been criticized for its response to the crisis, with many experts arguing that the current standards are not sufficient. As the country grapples with this environmental disaster, it remains to be seen whether action will be taken to address the issue before it's too late.
. I mean, come on, 100 nanograms per liter is basically a slap in the face - what's that supposed to even protect us from? Cancer, hormone disruption, fertility problems... it's all connected and all we're getting is some vague promise that the water will be "safe" if they just upgrade their treatment tech 
. And £1.6 trillion to clean up? Are you kidding me?! That's like, a small country's economy right there 
. We need real leadership on this one, not just empty promises and feel-good speeches from industry reps. Can we please just get some serious action taken before more people get hurt?! 
i mean come on, £84 billion annual bill? thats insane how can we afford 2 do nothing about it?! industry experts say its gonna cost trillions 2 clean up but r they willing 2 take responsibility for their greed? i think not 
Still, I'm glad Anglian Water is taking steps to address it... hopefully other companies will follow suit soon 
it's not gonna be cheap but every little helps, right? 
i just heard about this and its literally so bad. i mean i knew they were toxic but 100 nanograms per liter is not enough??! that sounds like a tiny amount to me... like why rnt the uk drinking water regulator doin more? 
The fact that the UK government can't even regulate these forever chemicals properly is a whole other level of conspiracy 
... what are they hiding? Are they in cahoots with the companies producing these toxic substances? 
This isn't just about the water, it's about the cover-up. And don't even get me started on the cost - £84 billion a year? That's like, a small country's GDP! 
And what's with the industry resistance? It feels like they're more worried about their bottom line than people's health. We need to make some serious changes ASAP, IMO! 
