PFAS or Forever Chemicals in Water

Health
by Louise
27-02-2026

PFAS in UK Drinking Water: What “Forever Chemicals” Mean for Your Home and How to Remove Them

You may have heard the term ‘forever chemicals’ in the news a lot recently; and for good reason.

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are a group of manmade chemicals used for decades in everyday products like non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, and firefighting foam.

The problem?

These forever chemicals don’t break down naturally, meaning once they enter our environment, including rivers, lakes, and even our drinking water; they can linger indefinitely.

In the UK, PFAS contamination is increasingly under the spotlight. Localised testing has found traces of these forever chemicals in tap water near industrial sites, airports, and areas where firefighting foam was used, sparking concern among homeowners and regulators alike. While most UK mains water is still considered safe under current regulations, public awareness is rising, and people are asking important questions: Is my tap water truly safe? Can my existing home filter remove PFAS and other forever chemicals?

This article explains what PFAS are, how these forever chemicals enter UK drinking water, and which home filtration options help reduce exposure, and which may give a false sense of security.

What are PFAS?

PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, a family of over 4,000 forever chemicals designed to resist heat, water, and oil. They are used in countless products, including:

Non-stick pans and bakeware
Batteries
Medical devices
Waterproof jackets, outdoor gear, and stain resistant fabrics
Food packaging (like microwave popcorn bags)
Plastic bottles
Firefighting foam at airports and military bases
Lipstick

The reason they’re nicknamed ‘forever chemicals’ is simple: their chemical bonds don’t break down naturally. As a result, PFAS accumulate in the environment and in living organisms, including humans.

Health studies suggest long-term exposure to certain PFAS forever chemicals can contribute to thyroid problems, reduced immune response, hormonal disruption, and even some cancers. While the levels found in most UK tap water are low, reducing unnecessary exposure to these forever chemicals is increasingly seen as a prudent step.

PFAS in UK water – The current situation

Recent investigations have revealed PFAS contamination in UK water sources, particularly near industrial sites and locations where firefighting foam has been heavily used. Some water companies have detected PFAS levels in treated water that approach or exceed recommended limits in other countries, though the UK regulator, the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) maintains that most mains water meets current safety standards.

The regulations state that the maximum allowed in water courses is 100 nanograms per litre (ng/L). One nanogram per litre is one billionth of a gram in a litre (1000 grams) of water.

Private wells, especially near industrial or contaminated areas, can me more at risk. This makes understanding filtration options essential for households concerned about long-term exposure to forever chemicals.

Water companies filter and dilute the water they supply to make that dilution even lower; 10 ng/L at most, which is classed as low risk in the UK, EU, and US for the majority of PFAS forever chemicals.

There are lower levels permitted or for certain PFAS known as PFOA and PFOS.

PFAS water filtration comparison (UK)

Method	PFAS Removal Effectiveness	Best for	Pros	Cons
Activated Carbon (Carbon Block)	High (many PFAS)	Most UK homes	Affordable, simple, good taste and smell improvement	Needs 12 monthly cartridge change
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC)	Moderate – High	Whole-house systems	Lower cost, widely available	Can lose efficiency due to channelling
Nano-Ceram PAC	High	High flow whole house systems	High flow rate, strong PFAS reduction	Higher upfront cost
Reverse Osmosis (RO)	Very high	Drinking water only	Excellent PFAS removal	Slow flow rate, removes minerals, higher upfront and maintenance cost
Ion Exchange	Moderate	Specific PFAS reduction	Effective for some compounds	Less comprehensive than carbon or RO
Bottled water	Low / Unreliable	Short term use only	Convenient	Not PFAS free, plastic leaching risk, not environmentally friendly

How PFAS enters your tap water

PFAS forever chemicals can enter your tap water in several ways:

Mains water: Contaminated rivers or groundwater used by water treatment plants.
Private wells: Particularly if near industrial facilities, airports, or sites using firefighting foam.
Bottled water: Not all bottled water is guaranteed PFAS free; some brands still contain trace amounts.

Even everyday exposure through tap water contributes to the overall body burden of PFAS forever chemicals, making filtration an appealing option for many households.

Let’s drill down to bottled water a little more.

Sadly, buying vast quantities of bottled water is not going to reduce forever chemicals in water that you drink.

There’s evidence that PFAS in plastic bottles can leach into the fluid they contain, and the water in those bottles can be stored for months or years before they even reach the supermarket shelves.

That’s a lot of opportunity for that leaching to happen.

The shorter the time the contained liquid is in the bottle, the less time there is for PFAS leaching.

Your bottle of milk on the other hand is not going to contain huge amounts of PFAS leachate because it’s used up in only a few days.

What home water filters can and can’t do

Not all water filters are created equal when it comes to removing forever chemicals. Here’s what works and what doesn’t.

Effective options

Reverse Osmosis (RO): Removes up to 99% of many PFAS compounds. Highly effective but requires under-sink installation, regular maintenance and doesn’t filter water throughout the house.
Activated carbon / granular carbon filters: Can reduce certain PFAS depending on filter quality and water contact time. Not all carbon filters are equal, so certification matters.
Ion Exchange filters: Can remove some PFAS but usually less effective than RO.

Limitations

Not all filters remove every type of PFAS/forever chemicals. Some ‘cheap’ or untested filters may be ineffective.
Regular maintenance and replacing cartridges is critical.
Filtration does not address all contaminants, so choosing a certified system is essential.

Choosing a PFAS water filter in the UK

Water filters can certainly help reduce or remove the levels of forever chemicals and other things you may not want in your water.

When selecting a filter, you might consider the following:

Certification: Look for NSF, WRAS, or independent testing for PFAS removal.
Water source: Private well v mains water may require different filtration strategies.
Capacity and maintenance: Check how long cartridges last and the cost of replacement.
Installation type: RO systems and under sink water filters are more involved, while countertop or jug filters are simpler but may be less effective.
Need help choosing the right filter? Contact us for a free consultation.

Practical tip: If you can get hold of manufacturers technical specifications for the filter cartridges then look at these for PFAS removal claims. Please note that most manufacturers won’t have these. Manufacturers tests are entirely dependent on water chemistry, and the test data is only based on the water that the manufacturer has used in the testing process.

Best water filters to remove PFAS

Any water filter system that contains an activated carbon cartridge will be the most effective and low cost method of filtering out PFAS forever chemicals.

Activated carbon harnesses the power of adsorption, where the molecules of various contaminants, such as PFAS, are attracted to and “stick” to the molecules of the filter medium in the cartridge.

Activated carbon cartridges come in different compositions:

Granular activated carbon (GAC): These filters contain a granulated carbon media, in a filter canister, or sometime loose inside larger vessels. Granular activated carbon (GAC) serves as an efficient filtration medium; however, its performance may decline if water forms channels within the media, thereby diminishing the contact surface area available for effective filtration.
Carbon block: Carbon block water filter cartridges provide greater contaminant removal efficiency compared to granular activated carbon (GAC), despite many similarities between the two types. These cartridges are manufactured by compressing and extruding GAC into solid blocks, which are then encased in a protective covering. Unlike GAC filters, channelling does not occur with carbon block cartridges. The high-pressure compression process produces a denser filtration medium with an increased surface area within the same dimensions as a GAC cartridge, thereby enhancing contaminant removal capability.
NanoCeram PAC: Manufactured by Argonide, a leading innovator in the USA, NanoCeram PAC are pleated filter cartridges designed to remove a wide range of particles, microorganisms, and chemicals from water. These filters utilize electropositive technology and feature a carbon coating, with larger cartridges also containing a carbon block to ensure thorough filtration. They provide a high flow rate at a fine 0.2 micron rating, while their carbon elements offer extended contact time to effectively eliminate PFAS, chlorine, and numerous other chemicals.

Now that we’ve established that activated carbon is up there as one of the best ways to remove PFAS forever chemicals in water, you now must decide whether you want to remove PFAS from just your drinking water or from every tap in your house.

Whole House PFAS Filters

Whole house filters will remove PFAS from every tap in your house.

The filter system must be able to handle the required flow rate.

For a single bathroom house or flat, a system containing a 4.5’’ x 10’’ carbon block cartridge is a good choice. That will provide water flowing at around 10 litres per minute – enough for most showers.

A system containing a NanoCeram PAC will give a higher flow rate should you want it.

For bigger properties with multiple bathrooms; the system you require will contain at least a 4.5’’ x 20’’ carbon filter cartridge, or NanoCeram PAC.

These will give you at least 20 litres per minute and will make your water taste and smell much nicer, as well as giving you the peace of mind that you’ve removed most of the unpleasant things from the water that might be there.

There are even bigger systems available for very large houses or commercial premises. The Big Bubba units will provide up to 56 litres per minute of filtered water. They even offer a 15 litre per minute option to remove the most harmful type of PFAS (PFOS/PFOA).

Drinking Water PFAS Filters

If you just want to filter the water to your kitchen cold water tap, then you’ll need a separate drinking water filter tap that sits alongside or near to your kitchen tap, or a 3 way tap.

A dual stage drinking water PFAS filter is a much smaller filter system that easily fits in your under sink cupboard and doesn’t take up much room.

Or you can opt for an affordable single stage drinking water PFAS filter which makes removing forever chemicals very accessible.

Other ways to remove PFAS in water

You may have heard that Reverse Osmosis (RO) is the best or only way of removing forever chemicals from water.

RO systems effectively remove PFAS through multiple stages involving carbon block or GAC filter cartridges, like non-RO filtration systems. However, they also extract beneficial minerals from the water, and some units subsequently reintroduce these minerals in a final stage. Consequently, RO systems can be complex and costly, and their water production rate tends to be slower.

If you are seeking comprehensive water filtration solutions, one of our Water Purifiers is an excellent choice. We offer options suitable for whole-house systems, single taps, or compact drinking water filters.

Actionable advice for UK households

If you live in an area with possible contamination or rely on private water sources, make sure to test your water regularly.
Keep up to date by checking reports from the DWI or your local water supplier.
Using a combination of filters may offer enhanced protection.
Take care to properly maintain your filtration system; old or blocked cartridges can be more harmful than helpful.
Limit exposure whenever feasible by avoiding microwaving foods in coated wrappers and stay conscious of products that contain PFAS such as non-stick cookware.

How Fountain Filters can help you

While PFAS are persistent chemicals, proper filtration and informed choices can reduce household exposure. UK tap water is usually safe, but those near industrial areas or using private water supplies may find filtration helpful. By learning about PFAS, consulting experts, and taking simple actions at home, you can manage your water quality effectively and affordably.

Everyone has different needs, requirements, and expectations so we really encourage you to contact us on our helpdesk or call 01352 838281 to talk to us about your individual circumstances.

FAQ’s

What are PFAS (forever chemicals)?

PFAS are man-made chemicals used in products like non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, and food packaging. They’re called “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down and can build up in the environment and the human body over time.

Is UK tap water safe from PFAS in 2026?

Most UK mains water meets current safety standards in 2026. However, PFAS have been found near industrial sites, airports, and in some private wells. Many households choose filtration to reduce long-term exposure and add peace of mind.

Do home water filters remove PFAS?

Yes, but only certain types. Activated carbon and reverse osmosis filters are proven to reduce forever chemicals. Cheap or uncertified jug filters may not work, and cartridges must be replaced on time to stay effective.

Is bottled water better than tap water for PFAS?

No. Bottled water is not guaranteed PFAS-free, and PFAS can leach from plastic bottles during long storage. A home water filter is usually safer, cheaper, and more sustainable.

What is the best PFAS water filter for UK homes?

For most UK homes, activated carbon block filters offer the best balance of PFAS removal, cost, and simplicity. Whole house systems protect every tap, while under-sink filters are ideal for drinking water.