England

PFAS in Manchester Water

Based on Environment Agency monitoring data. Last updated 31 July 2026.

According to TapWater.uk's analysis, 19 PFAS compounds have been detected across 19 sampling points in Manchester. The highest recorded level is 0.059 µg/L (PFOA).

Compounds detected

Sampling points

Highest level

0.059 µg/L

Latest date

31 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

0.0590 µg/L

PFBA

0.0500 µg/L

PFBS

0.0270 µg/L

PFOS (branched)

0.0270 µg/L

6:2 FTSA

0.0260 µg/L

PFHpA

0.0200 µg/L

PFHxS (linear)

0.0120 µg/L

PFHxA

0.0120 µg/L

PFOS

0.0063 µg/L

PFOS (total)

0.0056 µg/L

PFPeA

0.0054 µg/L

6:2 FtSAB

0.0050 µg/L

PFNA

0.0039 µg/L

PFOS (linear)

0.0038 µg/L

PFPeS

0.0034 µg/L

FBSA

0.0025 µg/L

PFHpS

0.0024 µg/L

PFHxS (branched)

0.0023 µg/L

MeFOSAA-L

0.0005 µg/L

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

Sampling points

Environment Agency monitoring locations near Manchester.

LocationMax levelCompoundCoordinates

RSN0920 SHAW BROOK AT THE AVENUE, ECCLES

0.011 µg/LPFOA53.4917, -2.4045

OXLEY THREADS LTD NO4 BH SJ99/92B

0.001 µg/LPFOS (linear)53.4755, -2.1115

RIVER MERSEY AT FLIXTON ROAD BRIDGE

0.015 µg/L6:2 FTSA53.4400, -2.3897

RIVER IRWELL AT FOOT BRIDGE AT SALFORD UNIVERSITY

0.044 µg/LPFOA53.4876, -2.2689

RIVER TAME AT PORTWOOD

0.006 µg/LPFOA53.4146, -2.1564

DIDSBURY GOLF CLUB BH SJ89/135B

0.002 µg/L6:2 FTSA53.4108, -2.2429

HOLTS BREWERY REPLACEMENT BOREHOLE SJ89/283

0.050 µg/LPFBA53.4936, -2.2414

CERESTAR NO.2 BH SJ79/168

0.008 µg/LPFOA53.4795, -2.3287

RIVER IRWELL AT OLD RINGLEY BRIDGE

0.035 µg/LPFOA53.5439, -2.3587

BRADSHAW BROOK ABOVE CONFLUENCE WITH RIVER TONGE

0.005 µg/L6:2 FTSA53.5741, -2.4037

MANCHESTER SHIP CANAL AT MEDIA CITY FOOTBRIDGE (TURNING BASIN)

0.026 µg/L6:2 FTSA53.4713, -2.3000

DAVYHULME PARK GOLF CLUB BH SJ79/171

0.009 µg/L6:2 FTSA53.4550, -2.3763

ASHTON-U-LYNE GOLF CLUB BH SD90/308

0.059 µg/LPFOA53.5093, -2.0588

CEMEX CONCRETE - GORTON

0.015 µg/L6:2 FTSA53.4691, -2.1828

J.G.WINTERBOTTOM LTD BH SJ99/91

0.002 µg/L6:2 FTSA53.4504, -2.0865

LADYBROOK NURSERIES BH 1 WRB NO SJ98/91A

0.005 µg/LPFBA53.3649, -2.1417

BRAMHALL PARK GOLF CLUB BH SJ88/118

0.005 µg/L6:2 FTSA53.3685, -2.1780

LADYBROOK NURSERIES BH 2 WRB NO SJ98/91B

0.001 µg/LPFBA53.3652, -2.1414

RIVER MEDLOCK AT PINMILL BROW

0.008 µg/L6:2 FTSA53.4763, -2.2173

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.

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PFAS data for nearby cities

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Frequently asked questions

Has PFAS been found in Manchester water?

Yes. Environment Agency monitoring has detected 19 PFAS compounds across 19 sampling points in water sources near Manchester. The highest recorded level is 0.059 µg/L (PFOA). Note that this is environmental monitoring of rivers and groundwater, not treated tap water.

What PFAS compounds were found in Manchester?

The following PFAS compounds have been detected near Manchester: PFOA, PFOS, PFOS (linear), PFBS, PFHxS (linear), PFOS (branched), PFHxA, PFPeA, PFBA, FBSA, 6:2 FTSA, PFHpA, PFHxS (branched), MeFOSAA-L, PFNA, PFHpS, PFPeS, PFOS (total), 6:2 FtSAB. PFOA was recorded at the highest level of 0.059 µg/L.

Is Manchester tap water safe to drink despite PFAS?

Manchester 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 Manchester?

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 Manchester households concerned about PFAS exposure.