England

PFAS in Reading Water

Based on Environment Agency monitoring data. Last updated 20 July 2026.

According to TapWater.uk's analysis, 19 PFAS compounds have been detected across 19 sampling points in Reading. The highest recorded level is 0.067 µg/L (6:2 FtSAB).

Compounds detected

Sampling points

Highest level

0.067 µg/L

Latest date

20 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

6:2 FtSAB

0.0670 µg/L

PFBA

0.0350 µg/L

PFPeA

0.0190 µg/L

PFHxA

0.0170 µg/L

PFOA

0.0160 µg/L

PFOS

0.0150 µg/L

6:2 FTSA

0.0140 µg/L

PFBS

0.0130 µg/L

PFOS (total)

0.0097 µg/L

PFHpA

0.0087 µg/L

PFOS (linear)

0.0082 µg/L

PFHxS (linear)

0.0069 µg/L

FBSA

0.0048 µg/L

PFOS (branched)

0.0043 µg/L

PFNA

0.0021 µg/L

PFHxS (branched)

0.0013 µg/L

PFPeS

0.0009 µg/L

PFHxSA

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 Reading.

LocationMax levelCompoundCoordinates

KENNET AND AVON CANAL AT ALDERMASTON

0.003 µg/LPFOS51.3998, -1.1374

LODDON AT A4 ROADBRIDGE, TWYFORD, BERKS

0.008 µg/LPFHxA51.4829, -0.8798

CLAY HILL BROOK ABOVE BURGHFIELD STW

0.035 µg/LPFBA51.4101, -1.0574

HART AT LEA BRIDGE, HAZELEY

0.006 µg/LPFPeA51.3333, -0.9273

CUT AT PITTS BRIDGE, BINFIELD

0.012 µg/LPFPeA51.4337, -0.7736

KENNET 100M ABOVE THAMES

0.005 µg/LPFPeA51.4576, -0.9505

KENNET AT UFTON BRIDGE

0.003 µg/L6:2 FTSA51.4132, -1.1126

BLACKWATER AT GAUGING STATION, SWALLOWFIELD

0.067 µg/L6:2 FtSAB51.3764, -0.9498

LODDON AT LODDON DRIVE, WARGRAVE

0.006 µg/LPFPeA51.4989, -0.8821

PADWORTH FISH FARM WELL 'A'

0.004 µg/LPFOS (branched)51.3952, -1.1303

PANG AT GAUGING STATION, PANGBOURNE

0.004 µg/LPFOS51.4826, -1.0872

LODDON ABOVE BLACKWATER AT KINGS BRIDGE

0.005 µg/LPFOS51.3772, -0.9739

BEECH HILL: MISSELS BRIDGE B/H :SU66/90

0.001 µg/LPFOS51.3825, -1.0056

THAMES JUST ABOVE GORING WEIR

0.004 µg/LPFPeA51.5230, -1.1423

SUL AT BRIDGE 322, SULHAM

0.001 µg/LPFOA51.4638, -1.0765

THAMES AT CAVERSHAM WEIR

0.004 µg/LPFPeA51.4609, -0.9631

SUL AT SALTNEY MEAD, PANGBOURNE

0.002 µg/LPFBS51.4859, -1.0723

THAMES AT HENLEY BRIDGE

0.004 µg/LPFPeA51.5391, -0.9010

RSN1394 DS THE STRAIGHT MILE ROAD

0.019 µg/LPFBA51.4521, -0.8259

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 Reading water?

Yes. Environment Agency monitoring has detected 19 PFAS compounds across 19 sampling points in water sources near Reading. The highest recorded level is 0.067 µg/L (6:2 FtSAB). Note that this is environmental monitoring of rivers and groundwater, not treated tap water.

What PFAS compounds were found in Reading?

The following PFAS compounds have been detected near Reading: PFOA, PFOS, PFHxA, PFPeS, PFBA, PFPeA, PFHpA, PFHxS (linear), PFBS, PFHxS (branched), PFNA, PFOS (branched), PFOS (linear), FBSA, 6:2 FTSA, PFHpS, PFHxSA, PFOS (total), 6:2 FtSAB. 6:2 FtSAB was recorded at the highest level of 0.067 µg/L.

Is Reading tap water safe to drink despite PFAS?

Reading 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 Reading?

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 Reading households concerned about PFAS exposure.