A new plan to better protect the nation and the environment from harmful ‘forever chemicals’ has been unveiled today (Tuesday, 3 February 2026) by the UK Government.
In the first-ever PFAS Plan, the Government has set out a clear framework for coordinated action by government, businesses and regulators. The Plan focuses on improving understanding of the sources of PFAS, how they spread, and how to reduce exposure for people and the environment.
Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as ‘forever chemicals’, are widely recognised as a major environmental challenge. PFAS have supported economic growth across a range of critical manufacturing industries and are also used in some low-carbon technologies.
However, there is growing evidence that widespread use can create risks to both people and the environment, with impacts that may persist for hundreds of years.
The Government states that the UK has one of the highest-quality drinking water supplies in the world and that there is currently no evidence of PFAS above permitted levels in England and Wales. Under the Plan, and to protect public health, a consultation will be launched later this year on introducing a statutory limit for PFAS in England’s public water supply regulations. If permitted levels were ever exceeded, this would support regulators in taking enforcement action where rules are broken.
The Plan also includes a new assessment of PFAS in England’s estuaries and coastal waters, with improved testing and monitoring, including of sediment and invertebrates, to build a stronger evidence base for future regulatory decisions.
Alongside environmental monitoring, the Government says it will work with businesses to explore developing safer alternatives for everyday products and to consider how production methods could be modified to reduce emissions and support the creation of PFAS-free products that remain affordable.
Further measures in the Plan include:
Developing new guidance for regulators and industry to address legacy PFAS pollution on contaminated land, supporting a consistent and practical approach.
Consulting on the introduction of a statutory limit for PFAS in England’s public water supply regulations.
Testing food packaging, such as microwave popcorn bags and pizza boxes, to trace PFAS presence and inform future regulatory action.
Publishing a new website to improve public understanding of PFAS and increase transparency around actions being taken across government.
Reducing emissions from industrial sites through new guidance on handling, monitoring and disposal of PFAS.
Improving monitoring of PFAS in soils by supporting the British Geological Survey and initiating new sampling at five locations across England.
Completing work to consider restrictions on the use of PFAS in firefighting foams.
The Government will work in partnership with regulators and industry to deliver the Plan, using a science-based and proportionate approach to reduce and minimise risks to public health and the environment.