Understanding the impact of the EU Drinking Water Directive on PFAS monitoring across Northern Ireland and Great Britain
From 12 January 2026, new EU requirements for monitoring per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water came into effect under the recast Drinking Water Directive, Directive (EU) 2020/2184 on the quality of water intended for human consumption
The updated directive strengthens public health protection by introducing harmonised monitoring obligations for PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment. EU Member States are required to routinely monitor drinking water supplies, assess results against defined parametric values, and take corrective action where limits are exceeded.
The changes form part of the European Union’s wider approach to controlling emerging contaminants in drinking water and improving transparency and consistency across water supply systems.
Read the official European Commission update here.
What this means for Northern Ireland*
Under the Windsor Framework, Northern Ireland continues to align with certain EU environmental and public health legislation. As a result, the EU Drinking Water Directive, including the new PFAS monitoring requirements, applies in Northern Ireland.
From January 2026, drinking water suppliers and regulators in Northern Ireland are required to
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Monitor PFAS using EU-defined parameters
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Compare results against EU parametric values
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Take corrective action where exceedances are identified
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Report monitoring outcomes in line with EU requirements
EU Drinking Water Directive overview
What this means for Great Britain*
In Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales), EU directives no longer apply directly following the UK’s exit from the EU. Drinking water quality continues to be regulated under UK legislation and overseen by domestic regulators.
At present, there is therefore no mandatory requirement in Great Britain to adopt the PFAS monitoring framework set out in Directive (EU) 2020/2184. Instead, the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) issues formal guidance for water companies on PFOS and PFOA concentrations as part of their statutory duty to supply wholesome drinking water. Where monitoring identifies PFAS concentrations at or above 0.1 µg/L, findings are expected to be assessed and escalated through appropriate public health channels, including notification of the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and relevant local health authorities, in line with established guidance.
In parallel, the Environment Agency (EA) continues to expand its PFAS monitoring scope to support improved understanding of the occurrence and potential risks of PFAS within UK water and environmental systems.
While EU regulatory developments do not apply directly in Great Britain, they may continue to inform scientific discussion and future regulatory considerations, particularly for organisations operating across both Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
How Eurofins Water Hygiene Testing UK can help
Through the Eurofins European PFAS competence centres, we provide access to a comprehensive range of accredited and specialist PFAS testing capabilities, including targeted and non-targeted analysis. Testing is available for drinking water and a wide range of environmental and product matrices, supporting monitoring, investigation and due-diligence activities in line with evolving regulatory expectations.
Contact us
Contact us to discuss your PFAS testing needs via our enquiry form or call +44 (0) 845 604 6740.
* This information is provided for general guidance only. Always refer to official sources for the most up-to-date legislation and guidance. To the best of our knowledge, the information was correct at the time of publication on 20 January 2026.
