Drinking Water: Per- and Polyfluorinated Alkyl Substances
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the prevalence of perfluoroalkyl substances in (a) bottled and (b) tap water.
Answered by Emma Hardy
The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) has provided guidance on PFAS to water companies since 2007. In 2021 a guideline value of 0.1 micrograms per litre was adopted for drinking water which, since August 2024 when DWI’s guidance was updated, now applies to a combined PFAS sum for 48 PFAS. These were agreed with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to be robust levels with an appropriate margin to ensure our drinking water is safe to drink. There is no evidence of PFAS concentrations above this value in drinking water supplies.
Controlling the sale and marketing of bottled waters do not include any specific requirements relating to PFAS. We will monitor any new or emerging evidence to ensure the regulations remain robust and fit for purpose.
Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →