Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make it his policy to reduce the cap on concentration levels per individual type of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances that require immediate water treatment from 100 nanograms per litre to 10 nanograms per litre.

The guideline value on individual types of PFAS of 100 nanograms per litre was set in 2021 based on an assessment of existing scientific knowledge. It was agreed with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to be a robust level with an appropriate margin to ensure our drinking water is safe to drink. There is no evidence of PFAS concentrations above this value in drinking water supplies.

Nevertheless, work is continuing with other government departments, regulators and the devolved administrations to assess levels of PFAS occurring in the environment, their sources and potential risks to safeguard current high drinking water quality and ensure our regulations remain fit for purpose.