Based on Environment Agency monitoring data. Last updated 13 February 2026.
According to TapWater.uk's analysis, 23 PFAS compounds have been detected across 12 sampling points in Northampton. The highest recorded level is 0.070 µg/L (6:2 FTSA).
Compounds detected
23
Sampling points
12
Highest level
0.070 µg/L
Latest date
13 February 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
0.0700 µg/L
MeFOSAA-B
0.0130 µg/L
PFHxS (linear)
0.0120 µg/L
PFHxA
0.0110 µg/L
PFBA
0.0110 µg/L
MeFOSAA-L
0.0110 µg/L
PFOA
0.0100 µg/L
PFPeA
0.0095 µg/L
PFBS
0.0083 µg/L
PFOS (linear)
0.0081 µg/L
PFOS (branched)
0.0073 µg/L
PFUnDS
0.0061 µg/L
FBSA
0.0043 µg/L
PFOS (total)
0.0043 µg/L
PFHpA
0.0036 µg/L
PFHxS (branched)
0.0026 µg/L
PFPeS
0.0020 µg/L
PFDA
0.0018 µg/L
6:2 FtSAB
0.0018 µg/L
FOSA
0.0013 µg/L
PFHxSA
0.0012 µg/L
PFecHS
0.0007 µg/L
PFHpS
0.0005 µg/L
Dashed line = WHO guideline (0.1 µg/L). Bar shows maximum detected level.
Sampling points
Environment Agency monitoring locations near Northampton.
LocationMax levelCompoundCoordinates
RSN1574 WALGRAVE STREAM AT D/S WALGRAVE STW
0.003 µg/LPFOA52.3348, -0.8357
RSN1790 EAST HADDON ARM (WHILTON BRANCH) AT D/S RAILWAY
0.006 µg/LPFBS52.2896, -1.0546
WHILTON BRANCH OF NENE WHILTON MILL BR.
0.011 µg/LPFBA52.2764, -1.0923
R.TOVE CAPPENHAM BRIDGE
0.015 µg/L6:2 FTSA52.1325, -0.9573
BILLING BK.LT.BILLING RD.BR.NORTHAMPTON
0.070 µg/L6:2 FTSA52.2485, -0.8208
WHILTON BRANCH OF NENE WEEDON A45 RD.BR.
0.019 µg/L6:2 FTSA52.2339, -1.0740
R.NENE DUSTON MILL
0.007 µg/L6:2 FTSA52.2298, -0.9337
R.NENE KISLINGBURY RD.BR.
0.009 µg/L6:2 FTSA52.2321, -0.9771
GRENDON BK.TOP LODGE FARM
0.003 µg/LPFBS52.2240, -0.7087
CHADSTONE SPRING NEAR PARADISE POND
0.002 µg/LPFHxA52.2205, -0.7534
RAVENSTHORPE RESERVOIR WFD MONITORING POINT
0.001 µg/LPFBA52.3264, -1.0043
R.NENE PITSFORD ARM A508 RD.BR.
0.004 µg/L6:2 FTSA52.3093, -0.9004
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 Northampton.
Frequently asked questions
Has PFAS been found in Northampton water?
Yes. Environment Agency monitoring has detected 23 PFAS compounds across 12 sampling points in water sources near Northampton. The highest recorded level is 0.070 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 Northampton?
The following PFAS compounds have been detected near Northampton: 6:2 FTSA, PFBS, PFHxA, PFOA, PFPeA, PFHxS (linear), PFBA, PFOS (branched), FBSA, PFOS (linear), PFHpA, PFUnDS, PFDA, PFHxS (branched), MeFOSAA-B, MeFOSAA-L, PFHxSA, PFPeS, PFHpS, FOSA, PFecHS, PFOS (total), 6:2 FtSAB. 6:2 FTSA was recorded at the highest level of 0.070 µg/L.
Is Northampton tap water safe to drink despite PFAS?
Northampton 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 Northampton?
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 Northampton households concerned about PFAS exposure.