Overview
- The plan instructs the Environment Agency to expand monitoring across rivers, estuaries, coastal waters and soils, with a PFAS contamination map to be shared with public bodies by the end of 2026.
- The government says a legal limit for PFAS in public water supplies would make enforcement against non‑compliant water companies easier.
- Officials will test everyday items such as takeaway pizza boxes, microwave popcorn bags, period products and water‑repellent clothing, and work with industry on PFAS‑free alternatives and guidance to reduce emissions at industrial sites.
- Recent monitoring found PFAS in about 80% of surface water samples, roughly half of groundwater samples and in all fish tested in government surveys.
- Environmental groups and Water UK say the strategy falls short without binding phase‑outs or a ban, noting EU moves to tighten drinking‑water rules and consider broad restrictions on PFAS.