Extended Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) monitoring at targeted inland surface water sites 2024
Summary: Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of man-made chemicals widely used in industrial and consumer products due to their water and oil resistance, chemical and heat stability, friction reduction and surfactant properties. They can be found in many everyday products, including outdoor clothing and in fire-fighting foams but can have harmful effects on human health and the environment.
This report documents findings from the EPA’s monitoring of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in inland waters under the Water Framework Directive in 2024. Monitoring since 2019 has focused on PFOS and PFOA at over 150 sites. An in-depth monitoring study was undertaken at 16 sites in 2024 which analysed for a broader suite of 48 PFAS compounds. The results serve as indicators of PFAS concentrations at these sampling locations during 2024 and are being used to inform future discussions regarding PFAS monitoring programmes under the WFD.
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