England

PFAS in Oxford Water

Based on Environment Agency monitoring data. Last updated 27 July 2026.

According to TapWater.uk's analysis, 20 PFAS compounds have been detected across 25 sampling points in Oxford. The highest recorded level is 0.069 µg/L (PFBS).

Compounds detected

Sampling points

Highest level

0.069 µg/L

Latest date

27 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

PFBS

0.0690 µg/L

PFHxA

0.0500 µg/L

PFOS (linear)

0.0480 µg/L

PFPeA

0.0380 µg/L

PFOS (total)

0.0380 µg/L

PFOS

0.0280 µg/L

PFHxS (linear)

0.0280 µg/L

PFOS (branched)

0.0240 µg/L

6:2 FTSA

0.0240 µg/L

FBSA

0.0220 µg/L

PFBA

0.0150 µg/L

PFHxSA

0.0150 µg/L

PFOA

0.0140 µg/L

PFHpA

0.0120 µg/L

5:3 FTCA

0.0110 µg/L

PFHxS (branched)

0.0056 µg/L

6:2 FtSAB

0.0047 µg/L

PFPeS

0.0020 µg/L

PFHpS

0.0012 µg/L

PFNA

0.0010 µg/L

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

Sampling points

Environment Agency monitoring locations near Oxford.

LocationMax levelCompoundCoordinates

RSN1522 DS A34

0.009 µg/LPFHxS (linear)51.8162, -1.2618

RSN0914 OPPOSITE NEWINGTON HOUSE

0.004 µg/LPFOS51.6641, -1.1226

RSN0210 LOCK WOOD ISLAND, RADLEY

0.009 µg/LPFOS51.6733, -1.2303

THAMES AT SANDFORD

0.016 µg/L6:2 FTSA51.7070, -1.2337

RSN1586 HAMPTON POOLE

0.010 µg/LPFHxS (linear)51.8326, -1.2760

THAME AT DORCHESTER BRIDGE

0.007 µg/LPFPeA51.6409, -1.1647

CHERWELL AT MARSTON ROAD, OXFORD

0.069 µg/LPFBS51.7565, -1.2379

EVENLODE AT B4449, CASSINGTON

0.005 µg/LPFPeA51.7887, -1.3519

MOOR DITCH ABOVE DIDCOT STW

0.050 µg/LPFHxA51.6199, -1.2561

OCK ABOVE THAMES

0.012 µg/L6:2 FTSA51.6673, -1.2840

NUNEHAM PARK, GLOBAL RETREAT CENTRE B/H

0.001 µg/L6:2 FTSA51.6782, -1.2195

ISLIP, BROOKFURLONG FARMHOUSE WELL

0.005 µg/LPFOS (total)51.8357, -1.2276

RSN0562 WESTON PARK FARM

0.023 µg/LPFOS51.8569, -1.2062

RAY ( OXON ) AT FENCOTT ROAD BRIDGE

0.016 µg/LPFHxA51.8413, -1.1740

RAY ( OXON ) AT B4027, ISLIP

0.048 µg/LPFOS (linear)51.8215, -1.2357

THAMES AT DAYS LOCK

0.005 µg/LPFPeA51.6374, -1.1812

THAME AT WHEATLEY BRIDGE

0.006 µg/LPFBA51.7422, -1.1150

WINDRUSH AT GAUGING STATION, NEWBRIDGE

0.002 µg/L6:2 FTSA51.7140, -1.4197

THAMES AT SUTTON BRIDGE, CULHAM

0.024 µg/L6:2 FTSA51.6498, -1.2655

WOLVERCOTE STREAM BATHING WATER

0.003 µg/LPFOS (linear)51.7808, -1.2960

CHALGROVE BROOK ABOVE RIVER THAME

0.002 µg/LPFBS51.6811, -1.1307

RSN1314 U/S MEADS FARM TRACK

0.002 µg/LPFOA51.7868, -1.0584

RSN0402 DS M40

0.009 µg/LPFBA51.7864, -1.0913

CHERWELL BELOW ISLIP WEIR

0.029 µg/LPFOS (total)51.8195, -1.2421

RSN0546 200 DS THAMES

0.005 µg/LPFOS (total)51.7369, -1.2452

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 Oxford.

Frequently asked questions

Has PFAS been found in Oxford water?

Yes. Environment Agency monitoring has detected 20 PFAS compounds across 25 sampling points in water sources near Oxford. The highest recorded level is 0.069 µg/L (PFBS). Note that this is environmental monitoring of rivers and groundwater, not treated tap water.

What PFAS compounds were found in Oxford?

The following PFAS compounds have been detected near Oxford: PFOA, PFOS, PFPeA, PFPeS, PFBA, PFBS, PFOS (branched), PFHxA, PFHxS (linear), PFHxS (branched), FBSA, PFOS (linear), PFHpA, 6:2 FTSA, PFHxSA, 5:3 FTCA, PFHpS, PFNA, PFOS (total), 6:2 FtSAB. PFBS was recorded at the highest level of 0.069 µg/L.

Is Oxford tap water safe to drink despite PFAS?

Oxford 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 Oxford?

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 Oxford households concerned about PFAS exposure.