England

PFAS in Preston Water

Based on Environment Agency monitoring data. Last updated 1 July 2026.

According to TapWater.uk's analysis, 15 PFAS compounds have been detected across 17 sampling points in Preston. The highest recorded level is 0.088 µg/L (PFOA).

Compounds detected

Sampling points

Highest level

0.088 µg/L

Latest date

1 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

0.0880 µg/L

6:2 FTSA

0.0450 µg/L

PFBS

0.0150 µg/L

PFHpS

0.0100 µg/L

6:2 FtSAB

0.0087 µg/L

PFBA

0.0073 µg/L

PFPeA

0.0048 µg/L

PFHxA

0.0047 µg/L

PFOS

0.0038 µg/L

PFHpA

0.0031 µg/L

PFOS (branched)

0.0030 µg/L

PFOS (linear)

0.0029 µg/L

FBSA

0.0022 µg/L

PFOS (total)

0.0012 µg/L

PFHxS (linear)

0.0007 µg/L

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

Sampling points

Environment Agency monitoring locations near Preston.

LocationMax levelCompoundCoordinates

RIVER WYRE AT ST MICHAELS

0.017 µg/LPFOA53.8641, -2.8180

RIVER RIBBLE AT SAMLESBURY PGS

0.018 µg/LPFOA53.7686, -2.6252

SALLOM HOUSE FARM BH SD52/27

0.001 µg/LPFOA53.7495, -2.6381

RIVER BROCK PTC NEW DRAUGHT BROOK

0.019 µg/LPFOA53.8570, -2.7832

B.N.F.L. SPRINGFIELDS FACTORY NO1 BH SD43/4A

0.010 µg/LPFHpS53.7780, -2.8042

RIVER DARWEN AT BLUE BRIDGE / SAMPLES PRIOR TO SEPT 1977 TAKEN AT SD 550282 - D/S OF HENNEL BROOK/SPT MOVED AGAIN FROM SD55165 28000 WEF 7.12.07

0.088 µg/LPFOA53.7445, -2.6621

RIVER DARWEN AT ROACH BRIDGE

0.009 µg/LPFOA53.7542, -2.6146

MANY BROOKS PTC RIVER DARWEN

0.008 µg/LPFOA53.7415, -2.6444

RIVER LOSTOCK AT A6 ROAD BRIDGE

0.015 µg/LPFBS53.6862, -2.6401

RIVER DARWEN AT FENISCLIFFE BRIDGE

0.068 µg/LPFOA53.7379, -2.5131

DUDDEL BROOK PTC RIVER RIBBLE

0.001 µg/LPFOS (branched)53.8120, -2.5311

DRAIN AT HESKETH NEW MARSH - DRAIN

0.012 µg/LPFOA53.7169, -2.8814

HOLMES FARM BH SD63/45

0.001 µg/L6:2 FTSA53.8187, -2.5203

TWISTFIELD BH SD62/111

0.003 µg/L6:2 FTSA53.7456, -2.5393

WOODFOLD FARMHOUSE, CROMBLEHOLME FOLD, WHITE CHAPEL, PRESTON

0.001 µg/L6:2 FTSA53.8740, -2.6582

SUNLIGHT SERVICES, CHORLEY BH SD51/192

0.045 µg/L6:2 FTSA53.6661, -2.6252

SIMPSONS FARM BH SD62/102

0.001 µg/L6:2 FTSA53.7522, -2.5972

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 Preston water?

Yes. Environment Agency monitoring has detected 15 PFAS compounds across 17 sampling points in water sources near Preston. The highest recorded level is 0.088 µg/L (PFOA). Note that this is environmental monitoring of rivers and groundwater, not treated tap water.

What PFAS compounds were found in Preston?

The following PFAS compounds have been detected near Preston: PFOS, PFOA, 6:2 FTSA, PFHpS, PFOS (branched), PFBA, PFHxS (linear), PFBS, PFOS (linear), PFHxA, PFPeA, PFHpA, FBSA, PFOS (total), 6:2 FtSAB. PFOA was recorded at the highest level of 0.088 µg/L.

Is Preston tap water safe to drink despite PFAS?

Preston 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 Preston?

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 Preston households concerned about PFAS exposure.