England

PFAS in Exeter Water

Based on Environment Agency monitoring data. Last updated 6 August 2026.

According to TapWater.uk's analysis, 13 PFAS compounds have been detected across 16 sampling points in Exeter. The highest recorded level is 0.011 µg/L (6:2 FTSA).

Compounds detected

Sampling points

Highest level

0.011 µg/L

Latest date

6 August 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 FTSA

0.0110 µg/L

PFBS

0.0066 µg/L

PFBA

0.0063 µg/L

PFOA

0.0044 µg/L

PFPeA

0.0042 µg/L

PFHxA

0.0041 µg/L

FBSA

0.0036 µg/L

PFHpA

0.0030 µg/L

PFOS (linear)

0.0019 µg/L

PFOS (branched)

0.0018 µg/L

PFOS

0.0011 µg/L

PFOS (total)

0.0011 µg/L

PFHxS (linear)

0.0005 µg/L

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

Sampling points

Environment Agency monitoring locations near Exeter.

LocationMax levelCompoundCoordinates

RIVER EXE AT THORVERTON GAUGING STATION

0.011 µg/L6:2 FTSA50.8045, -3.5112

EXETER GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB BH

0.004 µg/LPFOA50.6992, -3.4881

RSN1151 TRIB OF JACKMOOR BROOK AT SHUTE

0.002 µg/LPFOA50.7939, -3.5727

RSN1187 COLLEY BROOK AT TOWERHILL LANE

0.000 µg/LPFOS50.5884, -3.5603

RIVER EXE AT TREWS WEIR EXETER

0.002 µg/LPFBA50.7132, -3.5234

RSN1819 RIVER CULM AT BRADNINCH (CULM)

0.002 µg/LPFBA50.8262, -3.4067

RIVER CULM AT A396 BRIDGE STOKE CANON

0.001 µg/LPFOA50.7681, -3.5077

RSN1307 EXWICK MILL LEAT EXWICK MILLS

0.001 µg/LPFOS50.7359, -3.5495

COFTON CROSS

0.001 µg/LPFHxA50.6129, -3.4667

SSN0224 TRIB OF EXE DURYARD

0.007 µg/LPFBS50.7416, -3.5409

LANGDON HOSPITAL BOREHOLE, DAWLISH

0.001 µg/LPFBA50.5986, -3.4739

RSN0003 EXETER RACECOURSE - TRIB OF KATE BROOK (UPPER TEIGN)

0.000 µg/LPFOS50.6389, -3.5495

REEDY BROOK AT REEDY BRIDGE

0.001 µg/LPFOA50.6913, -3.6721

HILL FARM EAST VILLAGE SHOEBROOK CREDITON SPRING SAMPLE FROM PIPE ENTERING RESERVOIR

0.003 µg/LPFHpA50.8266, -3.6332

RSN0023 RIVER WEAVER AT KENSHAM LODGE (CULM)

0.005 µg/L6:2 FTSA50.8184, -3.4131

EAST DEVON PEBBLEBEDS AYD3 (NCEA) GWDTE

0.002 µg/LPFBA50.7064, -3.3413

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

Waterdrop G3P600 Reverse Osmosis

Reverse Osmosis · NSF/ANSI 58, NSF/ANSI 372

Why it fits: Removes 12+ contaminants including PFAS and fluoride
Tankless design saves under-sink space
Smart TDS monitoring panel shows real-time water quality
Trade-offs: Professional installation recommended — plumbing required
Higher upfront cost than any jug or tap filter

Typical price

£550approx.

Check current price at Waterdrop

Affiliate link: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

PFAS data for nearby cities

London Manchester Birmingham Leeds Bristol Liverpool

Check your postcode

Get a detailed water quality report for your exact area in Exeter.

Frequently asked questions

Has PFAS been found in Exeter water?

Yes. Environment Agency monitoring has detected 13 PFAS compounds across 16 sampling points in water sources near Exeter. The highest recorded level is 0.011 µg/L (6:2 FTSA). Note that this is environmental monitoring of rivers and groundwater, not treated tap water.

What PFAS compounds were found in Exeter?

The following PFAS compounds have been detected near Exeter: PFOA, PFOS, PFHxA, PFOS (branched), PFBA, PFOS (linear), PFBS, PFPeA, PFHxS (linear), PFHpA, 6:2 FTSA, FBSA, PFOS (total). 6:2 FTSA was recorded at the highest level of 0.011 µg/L.

Is Exeter tap water safe to drink despite PFAS?

Exeter 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 Exeter?

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 Exeter households concerned about PFAS exposure.