“Forever Chemicals” Contaminate Water Supplies Across Cumbria and Lancashire
A disturbing network of toxic pollution hotspots has been uncovered across Cumbria and Lancashire, with dangerously high levels of the banned cancer-causing chemical PFOS detected in rivers and groundwater at 25 sites. The contamination, spanning a large area of outstanding natural beauty, was revealed following a freedom of information request submitted by Watershed Investigations and The Guardian, analyzing Environment Agency samples taken in January 2025.
The Pervasive Threat of PFAS
PFOS is a type of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS), often referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their extraordinary persistence in the environment – taking hundreds, even thousands, of years to degrade. These compounds have been widely used in consumer products, from non-stick cookware to firefighting foam, and have been linked to a range of serious health problems, including certain cancers, immune deficiencies, and developmental issues.
The scale of the contamination is alarming. At one site, groundwater contained PFOS at a concentration of 3,840ng/l, a level far exceeding safe limits. Across the 25 sites investigated, PFOS concentrations consistently surpassed the drinking water guideline limit of 100ng/l for the combined total of 48 PFAS compounds. This widespread presence raises significant concerns about the potential health impacts on local communities and ecosystems.
A Resident’s Decade-Long Struggle
The impact of this contamination is already being felt by residents. One business owner, whose private well has been affected, recounted being “unofficially” informed of the pollution in November 2021 by an individual within the Environment Agency. “I stopped drinking the water immediately,” the resident stated, adding that the agency had been monitoring the well for approximately 35 years due to concerns about “chemical drift” in the groundwater.
However, the resident described a frustrating lack of support from authorities. “When I contacted the agency, they offered no help,” they said, explaining they were directed to Westmorland and Furness council, who “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.” Despite attempts to identify the source of the pollution, the resident feels abandoned, stating, “nearly five years later I am still no wiser.”
Westmorland and Furness council confirmed it was alerted to the contaminated supply in late 2021 and that the affected business transitioned to the mains water supply. A council spokesperson stated that they have “continued to support the business to ensure compliance in line with statutory requirements and the provision of a safe water supply,” and that these arrangements are ongoing.
Agency Response and Shifting Responsibility
The Environment Agency acknowledged identifying elevated levels of PFAS in the area in 2022 through its national surveillance monitoring program. However, the agency emphasized that the responsibility for protecting users of private water supplies rests with local authorities. The agency stated it alerted the private borehole owner and advised them to contact the local council, adding that relevant agencies – including the UK Health Security Agency, the Food Standards Agency, and the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) – were informed in 2025.
The investigation points to several potential sources of the contamination. A paper mill in Beetham, where PFAS were historically used, was identified as a key area of concern in the Environment Agency’s March 2025 report. Sites where PFAS-contaminated paper pulp may have been spread on land are also flagged as potential hotspots, raising fears that the chemicals could contaminate soils and enter the food chain.
Mill Ownership and Future Operations
The Beetham paper mill’s previous operator went into administration in June 2025, with its assets sold to a new entity, Pelta Medical Papers. Robyn Khan, director of Pelta Medical Papers, stated, “Since this acquisition, there has been no use of PFAS-based chemicals on site, and the mill does not manufacture paper containing PFAS.” Khan clarified that any prior manufacture of PFAS-containing products occurred under the previous ownership and in compliance with then-current regulations. Kroll Advisory, the administrators of the former company, did not respond to requests for comment.
The Environment Agency report also identified five historical landfills and one operational landfill, alongside sewage treatment works, fire stations, and discharges from caravan parks, as potential sources of PFAS contamination.
Government Action and Calls for a Ban
The government unveiled a new PFAS action plan on Tuesday, outlining proposals to tighten controls on these chemicals. The plan includes new guidance on contaminated land, a consultation on establishing statutory limits for PFAS levels in drinking water, and potentially stricter regulations for industrial sites.
However, industry groups and environmental organizations are criticizing the plan as insufficient. Water UK is advocating for a complete ban on PFAS, arguing that “we risk falling further behind other European nations, which are increasingly banning these substances and demanding manufacturers pay for clean up.” Chloe Alexander, the chemicals policy lead at Wildlife and Countryside Link, described the government’s plan as “a roadmap to nowhere,” citing the lack of binding phaseouts, a clear timetable, and a commitment to match the EU’s proposed PFAS ban.
Vulnerable Water Supplies and Urgent Need for Action
With approximately 33,000 private water supplies in England, a recent report from the DWI highlights the increasing vulnerability of these sources, particularly as climate change exacerbates droughts and environmental pollution. Hannah Evans from the environmental charity Fidra emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “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.”
