Tackling "Forever Chemicals": A Wake-Up Call for Water Safety in the UK

A recent BBC investigation has revealed that UK water companies have been ordered to reduce potentially harmful levels of “forever chemicals,” scientifically known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in drinking water sources serving more than six million people.

PFAS are a group of synthetic compounds used since the 1940s in products such as non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, and firefighting foams. They are known for their remarkable resistance to heat, oil, and water; but also for their persistence in the environment. Because PFAS don’t easily break down, they accumulate in soil, rivers, and, ultimately, our drinking water.

The Drinking Water Inspectorate has issued 23 enforcement notices to UK water suppliers after detecting PFAS concentrations above the safety level of 0.01 micrograms per litre. While the authorities have reassured the public that overall water quality remains safe, scientists and environmental advocates warn that the UK’s limits are still higher than those in the US, and that long-term exposure can carry serious health risks, including links to thyroid disease, immune dysfunction, and certain cancers.

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What This Means for Consumers

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These developments highlight a growing challenge in modern water treatment: conventional filtration systems were never designed to remove complex chemical pollutants like PFAS. As a result, even “treated” water may contain trace contaminants that accumulate over time.

At The Filter Tap Company, we believe access to clean, healthy water should never be a privilege - it should be a guarantee. Our advanced multi-stage filtration systems, including activated carbon and reverse osmosis technologies, are engineered to help reduce PFAS and other emerging contaminants at the point of use.

By filtering water directly at the tap, homeowners and businesses can take an extra layer of protection into their own hands; complementing public water treatment efforts and ensuring every glass of water meets the highest possible standard.

A Shared Responsibility

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The BBC report underscores a broader truth: protecting water quality is a shared responsibility between government, industry, and individuals. While regulators and water companies work to strengthen treatment systems, consumers can act today by adopting filtration technologies that are proven to make a difference.

At The Filter Tap Company, we are committed to helping families and businesses safeguard their water supply against “forever chemicals” and other contaminants; because clean water isn’t just essential, it’s elemental.

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We’re here to help you stay one step ahead - with expert advice, installation, and ongoing support. Because when it comes to something as essential as the water you drink every day, peace of mind should come built in.

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