Water Related Content
From Around The Globe

Here you can find the latest water purification related news from around the world.
What’s going on with water treatment? How safe is your drinking water? What are the latest developments in the water purification industry?

Find our latest insights here!

London tap water contaminated by ‘forever’ chemicals

London’s tap water has been found to contain high levels of PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” which have been linked to serious health risks, including cancer and liver damage. Testing of water samples from Harrow, Heathrow, and Battersea revealed contamination levels exceeding Sweden’s regulatory limits by 550%. The Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) and experts from Bluewater, a water purification firm, are calling for stricter UK regulations, arguing that current thresholds are too lenient. They emphasize that filtration technology exists to remove PFAS, but stronger government action is needed to protect public health.

Scientists Found A Scary Link Between Tap Water & Cancer

A new study published in Environmental Health Perspectives highlights a concerning link between chlorinated tap water and cancer. While chlorine is essential for disinfecting water, it can react with organic matter to form trihalomethanes (THMs), known carcinogens. Although THMs are regulated in the U.S. and Europe, many Americans consume water with levels exceeding safe limits. The study suggests that cancer risks begin at just 40 ppb, far below current legal limits. Experts stress that chlorination remains vital for preventing waterborne diseases, but individuals can reduce exposure by using carbon filters, reverse osmosis systems, or boiling water.

Water treatment works fault impacts supply

A fault at SES Water's Cheam treatment works has disrupted supply to around 4,000 homes in Epsom and parts of south London, prompting residents to use water carefully. While some supplies have been restored, water may initially appear cloudy. SES Water set up four bottled water stations and is working to stabilize storage levels, but has not given a timeline for full restoration. Several schools and a care home were affected, and St Helier Hospital experienced water outages. MP Luke Taylor criticized the response, calling for more water stations. The government is monitoring the situation and plans to introduce reforms to increase compensation for affected customers.

The residents uniting against ‘forever chemicals’ polluting their town

PFAS, known as “forever chemicals,” are industrial compounds that don’t degrade in the environment and are found in products like non-stick pans, waterproof clothing, and firefighting foams. Angus Fire, a manufacturer of such foams, has a facility in Bentham, Yorkshire, reportedly the most PFAS-polluted site in the UK. Some local residents are now pursuing legal action due to health concerns. Additionally, the Environment Agency is considering potential action against the company, though Angus Fire denies wrongdoing, stating they have always followed industry standards.

WHO launches health review after microplastics found in 90% of bottled water

The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a review into the potential health risks of microplastics in drinking water after a study found that over 90% of popular bottled water brands contain tiny plastic particles. Researchers analyzed 259 bottles from 11 brands across nine countries, discovering an average of 325 plastic particles per liter, with some bottles containing up to 10,000 particles. The most common plastic found was polypropylene, used in bottle caps. While the health impacts are still unclear, this emerging concern highlights the importance of safe, clean drinking water.

7 Good Reasons to get your Drinking Water Tested

Even in the UK, known for its high water quality standards, it's wise to have your drinking water independently tested. While water companies work hard to deliver safe water, issues can still arise, and the responsibility of maintaining uncontaminated water falls on property owners. Testing your water can identify potential contaminants like arsenic, lead, aluminium, cadmium, chromium, manganese, and nitrate, which may pose long-term health risks. Whether you're filtering your water or just curious about its quality, home water testing is simple and could provide valuable insights. Visit our online store to explore our home testing kits and ensure your water is safe to drink.

Is it safe to drink tap water from the bathroom?

Drinking water from the bathroom tap might not harm you, but it's not the best choice. While kitchen tap water is generally safe due to its direct connection to the main supply, bathroom tap water may come from a storage tank, which could be exposed to contaminants like bacteria or even debris. Older homes might also have lead pipes that can contaminate bathroom water. Additionally, bathroom taps typically aren't filtered, unlike many kitchen taps. For the safest drinking option, stick to water from the kitchen or use a tested water purifier.

Are lead water pipes still a problem in the UK?

Lead pipes continue to be a significant health concern in the UK, particularly in older homes. Despite being banned in the 1970s, many properties still have lead plumbing, leading to potential contamination of drinking water. A recent study by The Water Professor found that 6.2% of tested water samples contained lead levels above the UK's current limit of 10 ppb, with 11.5% exceeding the upcoming EU standard of 5 ppb. While water companies add orthophosphate to reduce lead dissolution, this method is not foolproof. Testing your water is the best way to detect lead contamination, and if found, replacing the pipes or using a water purifier is recommended to ensure safe drinking water.

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