'Forever chemicals' in England's rivers fall by almost a third in ten years, with levels in fish halved

Levels of two of the most notorious "forever chemicals" in England's rivers have fallen by almost a third in ten years, and concentrations in freshwater fish have roughly halved, according to a new Environment Agency report published on 12 November.

The report found that between 2016 and 2025, levels of PFOS in English rivers fell by around 30% and PFOA by 29%. PFOS concentrations in freshwater fish declined by approximately 49%.

What are forever chemicals?

PFAS are a large group of chemicals used in a wide range of products and industrial processes, from non-stick coatings and waterproof clothing to firefighting foams. They are called "forever chemicals" because many break down extremely slowly, over hundreds of years, and can build up in the environment.

The Environment Agency says the falls show that regulation works: controls and restrictions on PFOS and PFOA have led to measurable reductions in these older chemicals.

"Encouraging, but there is more to do"

The report comes with an honest caveat. It found PFAS are still widespread, reflecting decades of historic use and continued releases from some sources.

The agency's chief scientist, Dr Robert Bradburne, said: "Our understanding of PFAS has advanced significantly since 2021. We can now monitor a much wider range of these chemicals with greater accuracy, giving us a clearer picture of where they are found and how they behave in the environment."

"The reductions in some older PFAS are encouraging, but there is more to do. This evidence will help us identify where further action is needed and support effective, proportionate decisions to protect the environment."

Environment Minister Emma Hardy said the government was "acting to crack down on forever chemicals through tougher rules on their use, updated guidance, widespread monitoring, and support for safer alternatives."

Dr David Megson, Reader in Chemistry and Environmental Forensics at Manchester Metropolitan University, said: "It's brilliant to see how far we have come in the last 10 years, and this report shows what great progress has been made." He added that the data, from thousands of samples, could be used "to identify and target the worst areas of PFAS pollution so we can further accelerate work."

The next steps

The findings will support the UK's first ever PFAS Plan, published earlier this year. Its actions include better testing of estuaries and coastal waters, developing safer alternatives to everyday items such as water-repellent clothing and footwear, a new public information website, and guidance on tackling legacy PFAS pollution on contaminated land. A possible restriction on forever chemicals in firefighting foams is also being considered.

Why it matters for Birmingham's rivers

Birmingham's rivers, including the Tame and the Rea, have a long industrial history. National falls in legacy chemicals are good news for the fish and birds that depend on urban rivers, and for everyone working to bring the city's waterways back to life. The challenge now is to tackle the newer PFAS that are still being found.