SCIENTISTS called on the government today to urgently revise its drinking water standards due to alarming levels of so-called “forever chemicals” associated with cancer and fertility issues.

An analysis of data from the Forever Pollution Project showed that over a third of water sources in England and Wales contain medium- to high-risk levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

These pollutants have been linked to a number of health issues including cancer, liver damage, fertility issues and defects in unborn children.

Known as “forever chemicals” due to their near indestructibilty, they enter water courses through industrial discharges and household waste.

According to current regulations, drinking water can have 100 nanograms of PFAS per litre; the Royal Society of Chemistry suggests that concentration should be capped at 10 nanograms.

Stephanie Metzger, policy adviser at the society, said: “We know that PFAS can be filtered from drinking water — the technology exists, so increasing the level of filtration is just a matter of expense and political will.

“We’re seeing more and more studies that link PFAS to a range of very serious medical conditions, and so we urgently need a new approach for the sake of public health.”