Based on Environment Agency monitoring data. Last updated 21 July 2026.
According to TapWater.uk's analysis, 22 PFAS compounds have been detected across 12 sampling points in Ipswich. The highest recorded level is 0.046 µg/L (PFOA).
Compounds detected
22
Sampling points
12
Highest level
0.046 µg/L
Latest date
21 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
0.0460 µg/L
6:2 FtSAB
0.0380 µg/L
PFHxS (linear)
0.0280 µg/L
PFOS
0.0240 µg/L
PFOS (linear)
0.0120 µg/L
PFOS (total)
0.0120 µg/L
PFPeA
0.0110 µg/L
PFBS
0.0110 µg/L
PFOS (branched)
0.0092 µg/L
PFBA
0.0090 µg/L
5:1:2 FTB
0.0090 µg/L
PFHxA
0.0083 µg/L
PFDA
0.0081 µg/L
6:2 FTSA
0.0067 µg/L
PFHxS (branched)
0.0064 µg/L
5:3 FTCA
0.0052 µg/L
PFHpA
0.0046 µg/L
7:3 FTCA
0.0045 µg/L
PFPeS
0.0033 µg/L
PFHxSA
0.0025 µg/L
5:3 FTB
0.0021 µg/L
FBSA
0.0014 µg/L
Dashed line = WHO guideline (0.1 µg/L). Bar shows maximum detected level.
Sampling points
Environment Agency monitoring locations near Ipswich.
LocationMax levelCompoundCoordinates
RSN0913 R.BRETT D/S SHELLEY
0.003 µg/LPFOS52.0018, 0.9580
NACTON MEADOW SPRING, LEVINGTON
0.006 µg/LPFPeA52.0123, 1.2520
R.GIPPING U/S HORSESHOE WEIR
0.038 µg/L6:2 FtSAB52.0599, 1.1334
HOLYWELLS PARK B/H IPSWICH
0.007 µg/LPFPeA52.0475, 1.1754
CRAG SPRINGS AT NEWBOURNE FORMER GAUGING STATION
0.028 µg/LPFHxS (linear)52.0409, 1.3140
GRANGE CARAVAN PARK, EAST END SPRING
0.002 µg/LPFBA51.9799, 1.0513
LONG WOOD SPRING, PINMILL, CHELMONDISTON
0.011 µg/LPFBS51.9949, 1.2017
CHURCH FARM SPRING, WALDRINGFIELD
0.046 µg/LPFOA52.0486, 1.3291
RSN1193 TRIB.BELSTEAD BK D/S COW BRIDGE ELMSETT
0.001 µg/LPFOA52.0842, 1.0119
R.BRETT SHELLEY BRIDGE
0.003 µg/LPFPeA52.0073, 0.9591
R.BRETT TOPPESFIELD BRIDGE HADLEIGH
0.002 µg/LPFBS52.0408, 0.9522
RSN0533 POTSFORD BK.HALL ROAD U/S CHARSFIELD
0.001 µg/LPFOS52.1589, 1.2727
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
Get a detailed water quality report for your exact area in Ipswich.
Frequently asked questions
Has PFAS been found in Ipswich water?
Yes. Environment Agency monitoring has detected 22 PFAS compounds across 12 sampling points in water sources near Ipswich. The highest recorded level is 0.046 µg/L (PFOA). Note that this is environmental monitoring of rivers and groundwater, not treated tap water.
What PFAS compounds were found in Ipswich?
The following PFAS compounds have been detected near Ipswich: PFOA, PFOS, PFPeA, PFHpA, PFPeS, PFHxS (branched), PFHxA, PFBS, PFHxSA, PFOS (branched), PFOS (linear), 6:2 FTSA, PFHxS (linear), PFBA, FBSA, 5:3 FTCA, 7:3 FTCA, PFDA, PFOS (total), 5:3 FTB, 5:1:2 FTB, 6:2 FtSAB. PFOA was recorded at the highest level of 0.046 µg/L.
Is Ipswich tap water safe to drink despite PFAS?
Ipswich 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 Ipswich?
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 Ipswich households concerned about PFAS exposure.