Exclusive Investigation Uncovers Widespread Pfas Contamination in Northwest England
A major environmental crisis has emerged in the picturesque regions of Cumbria and Lancashire, where toxic "forever chemicals" have infiltrated waterways and groundwater at 25 distinct sites. An exclusive investigation by Watershed Investigations and the Guardian, based on a freedom of information request, revealed alarmingly high concentrations of Pfos, a banned carcinogenic substance, in samples collected by the Environment Agency in January 2025.
Health and Ecological Threats in Protected Areas
Pfas, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are notorious for their persistence, taking hundreds to thousands of years to degrade. Linked to serious health issues, including cancer, these chemicals are commonly found in consumer products. The contamination spans areas of outstanding natural beauty, which are supposed to have multiple protections for wildlife and habitats, raising urgent concerns about ecological damage and public safety.
At one hotspot, groundwater contained Pfos at a staggering 3,840ng/l, alongside elevated levels of other banned Pfas compounds. All 25 sites recorded Pfos concentrations significantly above the drinking water guideline limit of 100ng/l for the combined total of 48 Pfas compounds, posing a direct risk to local communities and ecosystems.
Resident and Regulatory Failures Exposed
A local resident, whose private well was contaminated, reported discovering the pollution in November 2021 after being "unofficially" informed by an Environment Agency individual. They immediately stopped drinking the water but faced bureaucratic hurdles. "When I contacted the agency, they offered no help," the resident stated, noting that Westmorland and Furness council "said they wished I had not been told, as they could not even test for Pfas … there was no help, no advice, no support of any kind." Nearly five years later, the source remains unidentified.
Westmorland and Furness council confirmed it was informed in late 2021 and assisted the business in switching to mains water, ensuring compliance with safety standards. The Environment Agency emphasized that local authorities are responsible for private water supplies, though it alerted the borehole owner and notified relevant agencies in 2025.
Potential Sources and Corporate Accountability
The Environment Agency's March 2025 report identified several potential contamination sources, including:
- A paper mill in Beetham, where Pfas were historically used.
- Sites where Pfas-contaminated paper pulp may have been spread on land, risking soil and food chain contamination.
- Five historical landfills, one operational landfill, sewage treatment works, fire stations, and caravan park discharges.
The mill's operator went into administration, with assets sold to Pelta Medical Papers in June 2025. Robyn Khan, director of the new operator, stated, "Since this acquisition, there has been no use of Pfas-based chemicals on site... Any manufacture of Pfas-containing paper products occurred under the previous legal entity." The former administrators, Kroll Advisory, did not comment.
Government and Industry Responses Criticized
The UK government's new Pfas action plan, released recently, proposes tighter controls, such as contaminated land guidance and consultations on drinking water limits. However, critics argue it lacks enforceability. Water UK advocates for an outright ban, warning that the UK lags behind European nations in regulating these substances.
Chloe Alexander of Wildlife and Countryside Link called the plan "a roadmap to nowhere," highlighting its absence of binding phaseouts or a clear timetable to match the EU's proposed Pfas ban. With about 33,000 private water supplies in England, a Drinking Water Inspectorate report notes increasing vulnerability to pollution and climate change impacts.
Urgent Calls for Action and Alternatives
Hannah Evans from Fidra emphasized, "This is yet another case demonstrating just how prevalent Pfas pollution is and the real-world consequences. Persistent chemicals should not be in our drinking water, our food, or our bodies. We urgently need to turn off the tap and transition the UK towards Pfas-free alternatives, many of which are already widely available." The findings underscore a pressing need for comprehensive regulatory reforms and community protection measures in the face of escalating environmental threats.
