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Drinking Water: Per- and Polyfluorinated Alkyl Substances

Asked by Ben Obese-JectyConservativeDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled Answered 8 September 2026UIN 23374

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions has her department held with industry on detecting PFAS in the drinking water supply.

Answered by Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Defra is engaging with water companies and regulators on management of PFAS in the water environment. In February 2026, the Government unveiled a new plan to better protect the nation and environment from the risks posed by PFAS.  The PFAS Plan is a cross-government, science-led plan to understand impacts of PFAS on public health and the environment, with coordinated actions to minimise risks. The plan sets out the government’s overall approach to this issue. The Government will use Defra is using the plan as a platform to engage further with industry, other bodies, and the public on PFAS. In doing so, Defra hopes to develop a collective set of actions and initiatives to address this shared challenge and welcomes ideas and engagement on PFAS.

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