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Water Supply: Lancashire

Asked by Mr Andrew SnowdenConservativeDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled Answered 8 September 2026UIN 22685

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if her Department will carry out an investigation into the prevalence of polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) pollution in the water supply in Lancashire.

Answered by Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) regulates the quality of public water supplies in England, including Lancashire, and requires water companies to test for a wide range of substances, including PFAS, to ensure supplies remain safe.

Following a public enquiry regarding reported PFAS contamination near Thornton-Cleveleys, DWI's records confirm that United Utilities does not draw water for public supply from abstraction points in the affected area.

DWI continues to monitor water quality across Lancashire and will investigate should new evidence of contamination affecting a public water supply emerge.

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