England

PFAS in Blackburn Water

Based on Environment Agency monitoring data. Last updated 28 July 2026.

According to TapWater.uk's analysis, 16 PFAS compounds have been detected across 18 sampling points in Blackburn. The highest recorded level is 0.280 µg/L (PFOA).

Compounds detected

Sampling points

Highest level

0.280 µg/L

Latest date

28 July 2026

<0.01 µg/L

0.01–0.075 µg/L

>0.075 µg/L

PFAS levels over time

Monthly aggregate PFAS levels. Dashed line shows WHO guideline (0.1 µg/L).

Compounds detected

PFOA

0.2800 µg/L

6:2 FTSA

0.0200 µg/L

PFBS

0.0140 µg/L

PFBA

0.0120 µg/L

PFHxA

0.0095 µg/L

PFPeA

0.0084 µg/L

PFTeDA

0.0070 µg/L

6:2 FtSAB

0.0059 µg/L

PFHpA

0.0032 µg/L

PFOS (linear)

0.0023 µg/L

PFOS (branched)

0.0021 µg/L

PFOS

0.0017 µg/L

PFOS (total)

0.0016 µg/L

FBSA

0.0012 µg/L

PFHxS (linear)

0.0007 µg/L

PFecHS

0.0005 µg/L

Dashed line = WHO guideline (0.1 µg/L). Bar shows maximum detected level.

Sampling points

Environment Agency monitoring locations near Blackburn.

LocationMax levelCompoundCoordinates

HYNDBURN BROOK PTC RIVER CALDER

0.012 µg/LPFBA53.7911, -2.3784

RIVER CALDER AT WHALLEY

0.006 µg/LPFBS53.8201, -2.4127

RIVER RIBBLE AT MITTON BRIDGE

0.020 µg/L6:2 FTSA53.8440, -2.4337

BASHALL TOWN FARM BH SD74/66

0.011 µg/L6:2 FTSA53.8739, -2.4415

RIVER HYNDBURN AT CHURCH BRIDGE

0.014 µg/LPFBS53.7556, -2.3866

WATERSIDE BROOK PTC RIVER DARWEN

0.003 µg/LPFOA53.7165, -2.4706

RSN1888 TRIB OF EARNSDALE RESERVOIR

0.003 µg/LPFOA53.6974, -2.4928

WILSWELL MOOR FARM WRB NO SD73/2

0.007 µg/LPFTeDA53.8264, -2.3749

WICKENLOW FARM BH SD71/136

0.003 µg/L6:2 FTSA53.6493, -2.3750

SHOWLEY BROOK PTC RIVER RIBBLE

0.005 µg/LPFOA53.8301, -2.4681

RIVER DARWEN BELOW JACK KEYS RESERVOIR

0.280 µg/LPFOA53.6828, -2.4530

RIVER HODDER AT LOWER HODDER BRIDGE

0.003 µg/LPFOA53.8484, -2.4507

SABDEN BROOK PTC RIVER CALDER

0.002 µg/LPFOA53.8030, -2.3864

RSN0408 DELPH BROOK 50M D/S OF LONGWORTH ROAD BRIDGE

0.011 µg/L6:2 FTSA53.6295, -2.4464

SSN0310 WHEATSHEAF BROOK NEAR HOB LANE

0.005 µg/L6:2 FTSA53.6539, -2.4056

SSN1334 MEAN BROOK PTC WATERSIDE BROOK

0.002 µg/L6:2 FTSA53.7074, -2.4358

EAGLEY BROOK UPSTREAM OF BELMONT ETW

0.003 µg/LPFOA53.6374, -2.4809

RSN0556 RIVER HODDER NR BASHALL EAVES

0.009 µg/L6:2 FTSA53.8799, -2.4822

What this means for your tap water

Important context: the Environment Agency data shown here is from environmental monitoring of rivers and groundwater — not treated tap water. PFAS detected in source water does not necessarily mean the same levels are present in the water that comes out of your tap.

Water treatment processes can reduce PFAS concentrations, though the effectiveness varies by treatment method and PFAS compound. UK water companies are not required to publish PFAS removal rates. If you are concerned, a reverse osmosis filter offers the most reliable protection at home.

How to reduce PFAS exposure

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PFAS data for nearby cities

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Frequently asked questions

Has PFAS been found in Blackburn water?

Yes. Environment Agency monitoring has detected 16 PFAS compounds across 18 sampling points in water sources near Blackburn. The highest recorded level is 0.280 µg/L (PFOA). Note that this is environmental monitoring of rivers and groundwater, not treated tap water.

What PFAS compounds were found in Blackburn?

The following PFAS compounds have been detected near Blackburn: PFHxA, PFBS, PFOA, PFPeA, PFOS (linear), PFHpA, PFBA, FBSA, PFHxS (linear), PFOS (branched), PFecHS, 6:2 FTSA, PFTeDA, PFOS, PFOS (total), 6:2 FtSAB. PFOA was recorded at the highest level of 0.280 µg/L.

Is Blackburn tap water safe to drink despite PFAS?

Blackburn tap water meets all current UK legal standards. However, the UK has no legal limit for PFAS in drinking water. The Environment Agency data shows PFAS in source water (rivers and groundwater), not in treated tap water. Water treatment may reduce PFAS levels, but the extent of removal is not publicly reported.

How can I remove PFAS from my water in Blackburn?

The most effective method is a reverse osmosis (RO) filtration system, which removes over 95% of PFAS compounds. Standard carbon filters and jug filters like BRITA do not effectively remove PFAS. An under-sink RO system is recommended for Blackburn households concerned about PFAS exposure.