England

PFAS in Cambridge Water

Based on Environment Agency monitoring data. Last updated 29 April 2026.

According to TapWater.uk's analysis, 19 PFAS compounds have been detected across 10 sampling points in Cambridge. The highest recorded level is 0.096 µg/L (6:2 FtSAB).

Compounds detected

Sampling points

Highest level

0.096 µg/L

Latest date

29 April 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

6:2 FtSAB

0.0960 µg/L

PFPeA

0.0120 µg/L

6:2 FTSA

0.0100 µg/L

PFOS

0.0075 µg/L

PFHxA

0.0070 µg/L

PFBA

0.0068 µg/L

PFOA

0.0059 µg/L

PFBS

0.0059 µg/L

PFHxS (linear)

0.0034 µg/L

PFHpA

0.0034 µg/L

PFOS (total)

0.0030 µg/L

PFOS (linear)

0.0020 µg/L

PFOS (branched)

0.0016 µg/L

7:3 FTCA

0.0016 µg/L

PFHxS (branched)

0.0012 µg/L

PFecHS

0.0009 µg/L

PFPeS

0.0009 µg/L

FBSA

0.0007 µg/L

PFHxSA

0.0005 µg/L

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

Sampling points

Environment Agency monitoring locations near Cambridge.

LocationMax levelCompoundCoordinates

RSN0113 OLD WEST SMITHY FEN PUMPING ST.

0.007 µg/LPFOS52.3268, 0.1246

SAWSTON INV.SPRINGFIELD RD.UPWELLING

0.005 µg/LPFBS52.1149, 0.1659

GIRTON ALLOTMENTS B/H CAMBRIDGE RD. GIRTON

0.001 µg/LPFBS52.2357, 0.0841

GIRTON GOLF CLUB B/H DODFORD LANE, GIRTON, CAMBS.

0.001 µg/LPFPeA52.2462, 0.0769

FOWLMERE RSPB RESERVE, WATERCRESS, HUT SPRINGS

0.006 µg/LPFOA52.0869, 0.0499

DUCKETTS FARM UPWARE B/H, ELY CAMBS.

0.002 µg/LPFBA52.3013, 0.2483

HUNTSMAN MATERIALS DUXFORD (PREVIOUSLY VANTICO B/H NO.6)

0.001 µg/LPFHxS (linear)52.0877, 0.1609

SAWSTON INV.OBSERVATION B/H 6 CHALK

0.001 µg/LPFHxS (linear)52.1207, 0.1634

ENGINE DRN.CHESTNUT FARM RD.BR.

0.096 µg/L6:2 FtSAB52.3069, 0.1779

BAR HILL GOLF CLUB B/H

0.002 µg/LPFPeA52.2530, 0.0290

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

A reverse osmosis system is the most effective way to remove PFAS from your drinking water at home, eliminating over 95% of forever chemicals.

Removes >95% of PFAS compounds

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Typical price

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PFAS data for nearby cities

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Frequently asked questions

Has PFAS been found in Cambridge water?

Yes. Environment Agency monitoring has detected 19 PFAS compounds across 10 sampling points in water sources near Cambridge. The highest recorded level is 0.096 µg/L (6:2 FtSAB). Note that this is environmental monitoring of rivers and groundwater, not treated tap water.

What PFAS compounds were found in Cambridge?

The following PFAS compounds have been detected near Cambridge: PFOA, PFOS, PFHxA, PFHxS (linear), PFBS, PFOS (linear), PFOS (branched), PFBA, 6:2 FTSA, PFPeA, 7:3 FTCA, PFHxSA, PFHpA, PFHxS (branched), FBSA, 6:2 FtSAB, PFOS (total), PFPeS, PFecHS. 6:2 FtSAB was recorded at the highest level of 0.096 µg/L.

Is Cambridge tap water safe to drink despite PFAS?

Cambridge 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 Cambridge?

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 Cambridge households concerned about PFAS exposure.