PFAS in UK Water: What Building Managers Need to Know

November 6, 2025

The BBC has reported that six million people in the UK are supplied by drinking water sources where excessive PFAS contamination triggered enforcement notices from the Drinking Water Inspectorate. While water companies are required to act, this spotlight on ‘forever chemicals’ raises important questions for facilities managers, procurement teams, health and safety officers, and anyone responsible for drinking water in commercial environments.

So, what does this mean for your workplace or building? In this article, we explore the implications for businesses and suggest practical next steps for improving water quality and reducing risk.

What’s happened?

The BBC revealed that more than 9,000 tests found PFAS levels above recommended limits
23 water supply areas are under enforcement notices
At least 6 million people could be receiving water from affected sources
Some PFAS have been linked by the World Health Organisation to increased risk of cancers

The reports sparked calls from environmental bodies and scientific organisations for stricter controls and faster investment in water treatment. In response, government agencies are reportedly preparing a white paper to address regulations.

What are PFAS and why do they matter?

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are synthetic chemicals found in items like textiles, cookware, and packaging. They are durable and resistant to breakdown; hence the ‘forever chemicals’ label.

They access waterways through runoff, landfill leaching, industrial discharge, and firefighting foam. Once they enter the water cycle, they’re extremely difficult to remove using traditional drinking water treatment. Even small amounts may pose long-term health risks.

Implications for workplaces, schools, healthcare, and hospitality buildings

If your water comes from the public mains (as most buildings do), the BBC report confirms that contaminants like PFAS may be present upstream. While most public water still meets regulatory standards, there are three reasons proactive organisations should take note:

Changing regulations: PFAS limits may tighten in the UK, as they have in the US and Europe
Duty of care: Employee and customer expectations for safe, high-quality water are rising
Building complexity: Older pipework or storage systems can degrade water quality further, even if incoming water meets standards

What can businesses and building managers do?

Here are four recommended steps to reduce risk and protect water quality on site:

Audit your current system

Check system age and maintenance history
Review whether point-of-use filters or UV treatment are already in place

Ask suppliers the right questions

Does your current system filter PFAS?
Can it handle future regulatory requirements?

Upgrade where needed

Consider multi-stage filtration, activated carbon, ultrafiltration or reverse osmosis
Point-of-use systems can help avoid full-scale infrastructure changes