England

PFAS in York Water

Based on Environment Agency monitoring data. Last updated 17 June 2026.

According to TapWater.uk's analysis, 20 PFAS compounds have been detected across 19 sampling points in York. The highest recorded level is 0.055 µg/L (6:2 FTSA).

Compounds detected

Sampling points

Highest level

0.055 µg/L

Latest date

17 June 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

0.0550 µg/L

PFOS

0.0410 µg/L

PFOA

0.0140 µg/L

PFPeA

0.0051 µg/L

PFOS (linear)

0.0050 µg/L

PFHxS (linear)

0.0046 µg/L

PFHxA

0.0044 µg/L

PFHpA

0.0041 µg/L

PFBS

0.0039 µg/L

PFBA

0.0038 µg/L

PFOS (branched)

0.0030 µg/L

PFDoDA

0.0023 µg/L

PFHpS

0.0023 µg/L

PFPeS

0.0017 µg/L

6:2 FtSAB

0.0015 µg/L

PFNA

0.0014 µg/L

PFNS

0.0013 µg/L

PFOS (total)

0.0013 µg/L

PFHxS (branched)

0.0009 µg/L

FBSA

0.0008 µg/L

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

Sampling points

Environment Agency monitoring locations near York.

LocationMax levelCompoundCoordinates

BH2 TOWER BREWERY - MOLSON COORS - TADCASTER

0.002 µg/LPFOA53.8855, -1.2722

DERWENT AT STAMFORD BRIDGE

0.001 µg/LPFOA53.9914, -0.9163

WHARFE ABOVE TADCASTER WEIR

0.041 µg/LPFOS53.8884, -1.2635

OUSE AT NABURN LOCK

0.003 µg/LPFOA53.8939, -1.0986

OUSE AT LINTON LOCK

0.004 µg/LPFBA54.0354, -1.2377

OUSE AT NETHER POPPLETON (SKELTON BANK)

0.002 µg/LPFBA53.9912, -1.1346

RSN0176 OUSE AT SKELDERGATE BRIDGE

0.010 µg/L6:2 FTSA53.9545, -1.0816

RSN1816 RIVER WHARFE AT KIRKBY WHARFE

0.010 µg/LPFOA53.8633, -1.2273

NIDD AT OLD SKIP BRIDGE

0.015 µg/L6:2 FTSA53.9976, -1.2657

SHEDDEN FARMS LTD SHIPTON GRANGE SHIPTON BY BENNINGBROUGH

0.002 µg/L6:2 FTSA54.0313, -1.1714

THE SIKE AT WOODLANDS FARM CATTLE GRID

0.055 µg/L6:2 FTSA54.0458, -0.9942

KYLE AT NEWTON-ON-OUSE FOOTBRIDGE (LINTON BRIDGE)

0.002 µg/L6:2 FTSA54.0357, -1.2256

FOSS AT STEAD'S TANNERY D/S STW

0.002 µg/L6:2 FTSA54.0410, -1.0351

FOSS AT CASTLE MILL LOCK

0.006 µg/L6:2 FTSA53.9543, -1.0780

WHARFE AT RYTHER

0.004 µg/LPFOA53.8471, -1.1644

EQSD BIOTA MONITORING - STAMFORD BRIDGE

0.000 µg/LPFOS53.9921, -0.9135

RSN1368 FOSS NEAR HUNTINGTON

0.006 µg/LPFOS53.9974, -1.0615

SSN0897 HALLWOOD DRAIN ON WHELDRAKE LN

0.002 µg/LPFBA53.9017, -0.9918

RSN0432 BLACKFOSS BCK AT WHITELAND FIELD

0.014 µg/LPFOA53.9314, -0.8936

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 York water?

Yes. Environment Agency monitoring has detected 20 PFAS compounds across 19 sampling points in water sources near York. The highest recorded level is 0.055 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 York?

The following PFAS compounds have been detected near York: PFOS (linear), PFPeA, PFOA, PFHxA, PFOS (branched), PFOS, PFBA, 6:2 FTSA, FBSA, PFHxS (linear), PFBS, PFHpA, PFPeS, PFHxS (branched), PFNS, PFDoDA, PFNA, PFHpS, PFOS (total), 6:2 FtSAB. 6:2 FTSA was recorded at the highest level of 0.055 µg/L.

Is York tap water safe to drink despite PFAS?

York 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 York?

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 York households concerned about PFAS exposure.