Levels of two so-called 'forever chemicals' in England's rivers have fallen significantly over the past decade, according to a new Environment Agency report published on 12 November 2026. The report found that PFOS levels in English rivers fell by around 30% between 2016 and 2025, while PFOA fell by 29%. PFOS concentrations in freshwater fish declined by approximately 49%.

The report updates the agency's 2021 assessment and draws on a much larger body of environmental data and improved monitoring. According to the Environment Agency, the reductions indicate that regulatory controls and restrictions on the two legacy chemicals can lead to measurable declines. The agency's Chief Scientist, Dr Robert Bradburne, said the falls in some older PFAS were encouraging but that more work was needed.

The report nevertheless found that PFAS remain widespread, reflecting decades of historic use and continued releases from some sources. The government said the findings will support delivery of the UK's first PFAS Plan, published earlier this year, which sets out how it will better understand where the chemicals come from, how they spread and how to reduce exposure to them. The Environment Agency said it would continue expanding its evidence base through research into airborne monitoring, water thresholds and possible replacements.