PFAS in UK Drinking Water: Why the Forever Chemicals Crackdown Signals a Turning Point for Safe, Sustainable Water Treatment
A recent BBC analysis has revealed that more than 6 million people in the UK are served by water sources containing potentially harmful levels of PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals.” These substances, used since the 1940s in everyday products such as non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, and firefighting foams, persist in the environment for decades, making them one of the most complex pollutants to manage.
The Drinking Water Inspectorate
(DWI)
has issued multiple enforcement notices requiring water companies to act on elevated PFAS levels that could “constitute a potential danger to human health.” These actions mark a pivotal moment in the UK’s response to PFAS contamination and underline the urgent need for innovative treatment solutions.
What Are PFAS and Why Are They a Problem?
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of over 4,000 synthetic chemicals known for their resistance to heat, oil, and water. Unfortunately, these same properties make them highly persistent, earning the nickname forever chemicals.
Studies have linked certain PFAS compounds, such as PFOA
and PFOS, to health concerns including thyroid disorders, kidney disease, and increased cancer risks. Even at extremely low concentrations (measured in micrograms per litre), PFAS can pose a risk to human health and the environment.
The Enforcement Response and Regulatory Gaps
The BBC’s analysis of DWI enforcement notices highlights 23 areas across the UK where PFAS levels exceeded safety thresholds. When this occurs, water companies must increase testing, strengthen treatment, or, in some cases, remove the affected water source entirely.
While the DWI maintains that UK water remains safe, environmental groups and scientific bodies, including the Royal Society of Chemistry, have urged the government to make PFAS limits legally binding and aligned with stricter international standards. The UK’s current guidance level (0.01 μg/L) is 2.5 times higher than the new limits adopted in the United States, raising questions about whether UK standards adequately protect public health.
A Turning Point for the UK Water Industry
The government is preparing a white paper in response to an independent review that called for stricter treatment requirements to safeguard public health. This shift could usher in a new era of opportunity for water utilities, regulators, and innovators alike.
For too long, the conversation around PFAS has centred on detection. The next phase must focus on removal, recovery, and responsibility. By leveraging next-generation technologies, the UK water sector can transform PFAS mitigation from a regulatory challenge into a sustainability milestone.
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Puraffinity partners with the U.S. Army ERDC to evaluate Puratech G400, an advanced adsorbent for PFAS removal, through lab and field trials comparing its performance and cost-effectiveness to existing PFAS treatment technologies
An exclusive panel featuring Puraffinity CEO Vincent Caillaud, who will join industry leaders to discuss cutting-edge solutions for combatting PFAS, “forever chemicals”, in drinking water. With PFAS contamination presenting urgent health challenges due to their extreme persistence, mobility, and health impacts at trace levels, this session will spotlight the realities of PFAS in water supplies, the latest science driving regulatory change, and the next generation of removal technologies.
WEFTEC 2025 is the world’s largest annual water quality conference and exhibition, held September 27–October 1, 2025, at McCormick Place in Chicago. It gathers over 20,000 water professionals from 100+ countries to explore cutting-edge water technologies, attend technical sessions and workshops, and network with sector leaders. The event features a massive exhibition of advanced solutions, educational opportunities, and speciality pavilions focused on topics like sustainability and digital innovation. Our CEO, Vincent Caillaud , and CCO, Neal Megonnell , will be in attendance.
In the Building World-Class Teams webinar series, Henrik Hagemann and Jessica Middlesmiss will be discussing how to Create Cultures that Scale
Neal Megonnell brings over three decades of experience in various leadership, technology and sales roles in the carbon industry to his new position at Puraffinity. His extensive background and expertise in the water treatment sector and the specific technologies for removing contaminants make him an invaluable addition to the company's executive team. In his role as CCO, Neal will be responsible for driving Puraffinity's commercial strategy, expanding market presence, and accelerating growth in the rapidly evolving field of PFAS removal technologies. "We are thrilled to welcome Neal to our team," said Vincent Caillaud, CEO of Puraffinity. "His impressive track record in the industry, coupled with his deep understanding of PFAS-related challenges, aligns perfectly with our mission. His background in R&D, with multiple published papers and two patents related to activated carbon, will be instrumental in driving our commercial success and furthering our goal of providing innovative PFAS removal solutions." Neal holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of Pittsburgh Master of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University and a Master’s in Colloids, Polymers and Surfaces. This strong academic foundation, combined with his extensive industry experience, positions him well to lead Puraffinity's commercial efforts in addressing one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. Neal's expertise is extensively demonstrated through his strategic involvement in various professional committees, including Chair of the American Water Works Association Standards on Activated Carbon Committee, the ASTM D28 Activated Carbon Committee, and serving as Chairman of the Standards for Activated Carbon. "I am thrilled to join Puraffinity at this exciting time," said Neal Megonnell. "The company's commitment to developing sustainable adsorbent materials for PFAS removal aligns with my passion for innovative water treatment solutions. I look forward to working with the talented team at Puraffinity to expand our market reach and deliver cutting-edge technologies to communities and industries worldwide."