UK Legal Limit
No UK limit set
WHO Guideline
0.1 µg/L
EU Standard
0.1 µg/L (total)
Primary Sources
Industry, firefighting foam
The UK has no legal limit for PFAS (Forever Chemicals) in drinking water. The WHO recommends a guideline of 0.1 µg/L and the EU has set a standard of 0.1 µg/L (total). PFAS are man-made chemicals that persist in the environment and the human body. The UK government published a PFAS Action Plan in February 2026 but has not yet set binding limits.
Long-term exposure to certain PFAS compounds has been linked to a range of health concerns, including raised cholesterol, changes to immune function, thyroid disruption, reduced vaccine response in children, and a higher risk of some cancers including kidney and testicular cancer. The effects vary depending on the specific compound, the amount of exposure, and how long that exposure lasts.
PFAS reach drinking water sources mainly through industrial discharge, the use of firefighting foam at military bases and airports, leachate from landfill sites, and agricultural spreading of PFAS-contaminated sludge or pesticides. Manufacturing sites that produce non-stick coatings, water-resistant textiles, and food packaging are also significant contributors.
| Jurisdiction | Limit / Guideline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| UK (DWI) | No legal limit | The UK has not yet set a statutory limit. Guidance is voluntary. |
| WHO | 0.1 µg/L | World Health Organization Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality |
| EU | 0.1 µg/L (total) | EU Drinking Water Directive (2020/2184). The UK no longer automatically mirrors EU standards post-Brexit. |
The UK currently has no statutory limit for PFAS (Forever Chemicals). This means water companies are not legally required to monitor or report levels, even though both the WHO and EU have set guidelines. Campaigners and scientists have called on the UK government to introduce binding limits.
Reverse osmosis
A membrane filtration process that removes up to 99% of contaminants by forcing water through a semi-permeable membrane under pressure. Highly effective but produces some wastewater.
Activated carbon
Porous carbon material (from charcoal or coconut shell) that adsorbs contaminants as water passes through. Best for organic compounds and some heavy metals.
Ion exchange
Replaces unwanted ions (such as nitrate or lead) with harmless ones using resin beads. Effective and widely used in both whole-house and point-of-use systems.
These list pfas (forever chemicals) among what they reduce. Check your own report first — a filter is only worth buying for a contaminant your supply actually has.
Listed to reduce PFAS (Forever Chemicals)
Waterdrop G3P600 Reverse Osmosis
Reverse Osmosis · NSF/ANSI 58, NSF/ANSI 372
Typical price
£550approx.
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Listed to reduce PFAS (Forever Chemicals)
Frizzlife PD600 Under Sink RO
Reverse Osmosis · NSF/ANSI 58
Typical price
£329approx.
Affiliate link: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Want to know the PFAS (Forever Chemicals) levels in your water? Enter your postcode to get a free report for your area.