Over the last year, concerns around “forever chemicals” in UK water supplies have grown rapidly. Environmental groups and water regulators are all increasing their focus on these substances known as PFAS.
But what exactly are PFAS, why are they suddenly in the news, and should homeowners be worried about their drinking water?
At East Midlands Water, we believe the best approach is balanced information to help households understand their water and the filtration options available to them.
What Are PFAS?
PFAS (Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) are a large group of synthetic chemicals used in thousands of everyday products because they resist heat, grease and water.
They’ve been used in:
- non-stick cookware,
- waterproof clothing,
- food packaging,
- firefighting foams,
- cosmetics,
- industrial manufacturing.
The problem is that PFAS break down extremely slowly. Because they can remain in the environment for decades, they’re often referred to as “forever chemicals”.
Why Are PFAS Suddenly in the News?
In February 2026, the UK Government published its first-ever national PFAS Plan, setting out proposals for:
- increased environmental monitoring,
- new restrictions,
- and potential statutory limits for PFAS in drinking water.
The Government says UK drinking water remains among the safest in the world, and water companies already monitor for dozens of PFAS compounds.
However, environmental monitoring has shown PFAS contamination is becoming increasingly widespread in rivers, groundwater and some untreated water sources across the UK.
Recent investigations have highlighted:
- PFAS found in English rivers and groundwater,
- concerns around industrial and firefighting contamination,
- and growing pressure for tighter regulation.
Is UK Tap Water Safe?
The Drinking Water Inspectorate and water companies continuously monitor water quality to ensure it meets strict legal standards.
However, many households now choose additional filtration for:
- peace of mind,
- improved taste,
- chlorine reduction,
- and to help reduce a wider range of contaminants where present.
This is one reason why demand for home water filtration systems has grown significantly in recent years.
Can Water Filters Help Reduce PFAS?
Certain advanced filtration systems may help reduce PFAS and other contaminants.
In particular:
- activated carbon filtration,
- catalytic carbon,
- and reverse osmosis systems
are widely recognised as among the most effective filtration technologies currently available for reducing many PFAS compounds.
It’s important to understand that not all filters are the same. Basic jug filters may improve taste and odour, but larger capacity filtration systems generally provide broader contaminant reduction and more consistent long-term performance.
A Smarter Alternative to Jug Filters
Many households start with jug filters, but these often require constant cartridge replacements and only treat small amounts of water at a time.
For homeowners looking for a more practical long-term solution, the Eco Filters System 40 provides high-capacity filtration directly from your mains supply.
The system is designed to help reduce:
- chlorine,
- unpleasant tastes and odours,
- pesticides,
- herbicides,
- sediment,
- and a wide range of organic contaminants.
It also offers up to 40,000 litres of filtered water capacity, making it a cost effective alternative to bottled water and disposable jug filters.
You can view the system here:
East Midlands Water has previously highlighted the limitations of standard jug filters, especially regarding cartridge lifespan and ongoing costs.
Whole House Protection
Some homeowners prefer filtration throughout the entire property and not just at the kitchen tap.
The BT65 Whole House Filter is designed to provide filtered water to every tap in the home, helping reduce:
- chlorine,
- chloramines,
- pesticides,
- herbicides,
- sediment,
- and heavy metals where present.
This means:
- better tasting drinking water,
- reduced chlorine in showers and baths,
- and cleaner filtered water throughout the home.
The system’s large 650,000 litre capacity also makes it suitable for long-term whole-house use.
View product:
BT65 F15 Whole House Water Filter
Why More UK Households Are Choosing Filtration
While UK tap water remains highly regulated, public awareness around water quality is increasing.
Concerns around:
- ageing infrastructure,
- sewage pollution,
- chemical contaminants,
- chlorine taste,
- and hard water
have all contributed to growing demand for home filtration systems.
For many households, filtration is less about fear and more about:
- confidence,
- taste,
- convenience,
- and improving everyday water quality.
Final Thoughts
PFAS and other emerging contaminants are likely to remain a major topic in UK water discussions for years to come.
The important thing is to stay informed, avoid sensational headlines, and understand the practical steps available to improve your home water quality.
At East Midlands Water, we’ve been helping UK households improve their water since 1989. We offer trusted filtration systems designed to provide cleaner, better-tasting water throughout the home.
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