Imagine discovering that the water you’ve been drinking for years is tainted with a toxic chemical linked to cancer—a substance so persistent it’s dubbed a ‘forever chemical.’ This is the chilling reality for residents in Cumbria and Lancashire, where a shocking investigation has uncovered widespread contamination of water sources with Pfos, a banned carcinogen. But here’s where it gets even more alarming: despite knowing about this for years, authorities seem to be passing the buck, leaving residents in the dark and at risk.
A joint investigation by Watershed Investigations and The Guardian has revealed that 25 sites across these regions have dangerously high levels of Pfos—a type of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (Pfas)—in rivers and groundwater. These chemicals, known for their ability to persist in the environment for hundreds to thousands of years, have been linked to severe health issues, including cancer, liver damage, and developmental problems.
One particularly alarming finding? Groundwater at one site contained Pfos levels at 3,840 nanograms per liter (ng/l), far exceeding the drinking water guideline limit of 100 ng/l for the combined total of 48 Pfas compounds. And this isn’t just a remote issue—the contamination spans an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, threatening both human health and protected wildlife habitats.
And this is the part most people miss: the contamination was first detected in January 2025, but residents were left to fend for themselves. One business owner, whose private well was polluted, only learned about the issue in November 2021 after an unofficial tip-off from someone at the Environment Agency. Despite decades of testing due to concerns about ‘chemical drift,’ the agency offered no support. “When I contacted them, they directed me to the council, which essentially washed their hands of it,” the resident said. “Nearly five years later, I’m still no closer to answers.”
The Environment Agency, while acknowledging the issue, has pointed fingers at local authorities, claiming they’re responsible for protecting private water supplies. Meanwhile, Westmorland and Furness Council insists it’s been supporting affected businesses, but residents remain skeptical. Is this a case of bureaucratic red tape endangering public health?
Possible sources of the contamination include a paper mill in Beetham, where Pfas were historically used, and historical landfills, sewage treatment works, and even fire stations. The mill’s operator has since changed hands, with the new entity, Pelta Medical Papers, denying current use of Pfas. But who’s accountable for the legacy of pollution left behind?
The UK government’s new Pfas action plan, released earlier this week, proposes tighter controls and consultations on statutory limits. However, critics like Water UK argue it’s not enough, calling for a complete ban on Pfas. “We’re falling behind Europe, where nations are taking decisive action and holding manufacturers accountable for cleanup,” they warn.
But here’s the controversial question: Is the government’s plan a step in the right direction, or a half-hearted attempt to address a crisis that’s already spiraling out of control? With 33,000 private water supplies in England at risk—especially as climate change exacerbates droughts and pollution—the stakes couldn’t be higher.
As Hannah Evans from the environmental charity Fidra puts it, “Persistent chemicals have no place in our drinking water, food, or bodies. We need urgent action to transition to Pfas-free alternatives—many of which are already available.”
What do you think? Is the government doing enough to tackle this crisis, or is more radical action needed? Share your thoughts in the comments—this is a conversation we can’t afford to ignore.
