Twickenham MP Munira Wilson has presented a bill to Parliament yesterday (5 November) to reduce the levels of poly and per-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) found in UK water supply.

Known as 'forever chemicals', PFAS are a group of chemicals that are difficult to break down and build up over time in the environment and in human bodies. 

PFAS have been associated with serious health concerns including cancer, liver damage and developmental delays in children.

The chemicals have also been linked to environmental harms including the death of wildlife. 

It is estimated that there are up to 10,000 sites across the UK that have been contaminated with PFAS.

Despite the significant environmental and health risks posed by 'forever chemicals', there are currently no laws regulating PFAS levels in drinking water in England and Wales, unlike in other countries. 

Munira's bill, which the Lib Dems say has received cross-party support, would introduce a statutory limit for PFAS concentration and require water companies to monitor and limit PFAS levels in drinking water supplies.  

In early 2025, the Royal Society of Chemistry will release the results of a YouGov survey they commissioned, the results of which explore nationally representative public attitudes to PFAS.

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However, initial analysis of the data has found that more than three quarters (77%) of people in the UK believe that some, most or all PFAS present a significant risk to human health.

Twickenham MP Munira Wilson said: "Everyone deserves access to safe drinking water, yet for too long, our water companies have had carte blanche to pollute our precious water supplies.

"Forever chemicals have been linked to serious environmental and health concerns, including cancer, yet there are currently no legal limits around their presence in our drinking water.

"If we don't act, these dangerous chemicals could harm the health of generations to come.

"My bill today would hold our water companies to account by requiring them to limit the levels of these dangerous chemicals in our water supply."

Stephanie Metzger, policy advisor at the Royal Society of Chemistry, added: "No-one chooses the water that comes out of their tap, so we want to see statutory PFAS limits in UK drinking water that are clearly and transparently defined and legally enforceable. 

"In the meantime, the chemicals continue to accumulate in our rivers, aquifers and environment. We don't actually know how many of these chemicals are being produced, and where they end up.

"We have been campaigning for water regulation reform for some time now but the results of the YouGov polling show that this is an issue that the public is increasingly aware of and concerned about.

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"This isn't an issue that can be ignored; people across the UK are alarmed by the presence of forever chemicals in our drinking water and the harm they may pose if they remain unchecked."

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