Unveiling the Hidden Threat: The Race to Identify the Source of Carcinogenic PFAS in Cumbria and Lancashire Waters
A recent investigation has revealed a toxic pollution crisis in Cumbria and Lancashire, with high levels of the banned cancer-causing chemical PFAS detected in rivers and groundwater at 25 sites. This discovery has raised concerns about the impact of these 'forever chemicals' on the environment and public health.
The contamination, spanning a large area, was uncovered by Watershed Investigations and The Guardian after a freedom of information request revealed high concentrations of PFAS in Environment Agency samples taken in January 2025. PFAS, known as 'forever chemicals' due to their long degradation periods, are widely used in consumer products and linked to serious health issues.
At one site, groundwater contained PFAS at an alarming 3,840ng/l, alongside elevated levels of other banned PFAS compounds. Twenty-five sites recorded PFAS concentrations far exceeding the drinking water guideline limits of 100ng/l for the combined total of 48 PFAS compounds.
The affected area is renowned for its natural beauty and wildlife protections, adding to the urgency of the situation. A resident whose business's private well was polluted discovered the contamination in November 2021 after being 'unofficially' informed by an Environment Agency representative. They immediately stopped drinking the water, highlighting the agency's lack of support and guidance.
The resident's struggle to find help and the council's reluctance to investigate the source of pollution are concerning. The council, informed by the Environment Agency in late 2021, directed the business to switch to mains water. While they claim to support compliance with statutory requirements, the resident's experience suggests a lack of proactive assistance.
The Environment Agency identified elevated PFAS levels in 2022 through its national surveillance monitoring program. However, they stressed that local authorities are responsible for protecting private water supply users. The agency alerted the private borehole owner and advised them to contact the local council, but the resident's story highlights potential gaps in their response.
The Environment Agency's March 2025 report identified potential sources of PFAS contamination, including a paper mill in Beetham, where PFAS were previously used. The mill's operator went into administration, and its assets were sold to a new operator in June 2025. The former company's administrators are now responsible for earlier operations.
The new operator, Pelta Medical Papers, assures that no PFAS-based chemicals have been used since the acquisition. They emphasize their environmental responsibilities and compliance with regulatory guidance. However, the mill's administrators, Kroll Advisory, did not respond to requests for comment.
The Environment Agency's report also identified historical landfills, sewage treatment works, fire stations, and caravan park discharges as potential sources of PFAS. The government's new PFAS action plan, published on February 3, 2026, proposes tighter controls, including contaminated land guidance, a consultation on statutory limits for PFAS in drinking water, and potentially stricter rules for industrial sites.
However, Water UK advocates for a complete ban on PFAS, citing the risk of falling behind European nations in banning these substances and holding manufacturers accountable for clean-up costs. Chloe Alexander, the chemicals policy lead at Wildlife and Countryside Link, criticizes the government's plan as a 'roadmap to nowhere' for lacking binding phaseouts, clear timetables, and commitments to match the EU's proposed ban.
The vulnerability of private water supplies in England is a growing concern, with more drying up during droughts and others facing environmental pollution. The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) report underscores the need for urgent action to protect public health and the environment from the pervasive threat of PFAS pollution.
