Three UK military bases are under official investigation following concerns that they may be leaking toxic PFAS chemicals, also known as forever chemicals, into local drinking water supplies and environmentally sensitive areas.
The Ministry of Defence has begun assessing RAF Marham in Norfolk, RM Chivenor in Devon, and AAC Middle Wallop in Hampshire. These sites were identified using a new PFAS risk screening tool created by the Environment Agency, which is designed to highlight areas with the greatest potential for pollution.
RAF Marham and Middle Wallop are located within designated drinking water safeguard zones. RM Chivenor lies near protected shellfish waters, a special conservation zone, and the River Taw, which plays an important role in supporting local salmon populations.
PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of synthetic chemicals used for decades in firefighting foams, industrial applications, and everyday products such as non-stick pans, waterproof clothing, food packaging, and cosmetics. These substances are known for their resistance to breaking down in nature, which has led to widespread contamination in soil, water, and even human bloodstreams. PFAS exposure has been linked to several serious health concerns, including cancer, hormonal disruption, immune system damage, and fertility issues.
Military airfields have long used firefighting foams containing high levels of PFAS compounds, including PFOS, PFOA, and PFHxS. Though some of these have since been banned due to their toxic impact, they continue to persist in the environment.
Environmental scientists have noted that most military installations worldwide, including those in the UK, have accumulated large PFAS concentrations in soil and groundwater, and in many cases, these chemicals have also penetrated building materials such as concrete. Without urgent cleanup efforts, experts warn that contamination from these sites may continue for many decades.
Recent monitoring has revealed thousands of high-risk PFAS hotspots across the UK. These chemicals are already being detected in British rivers, wildlife, agricultural soil, and human populations. The threat is particularly alarming near drinking water sources, where current treatment systems may not be capable of removing these substances. Upgrading facilities to deal with PFAS would require significant investment.
Scientists and environmental campaigners are pushing for a national PFAS ban and the introduction of a coordinated clean-up strategy. They argue that the chemical industry should bear the financial burden of remediation efforts, which could run into billions of pounds.
The UK’s current PFAS monitoring efforts lag behind countries like the United States, where federal agencies have launched large-scale testing and invested heavily in decontamination. This summer, the US government began testing private water wells near military bases, a move not yet mirrored by UK authorities.
Some former military personnel have shared personal stories of prolonged PFAS exposure. One ex-firefighter from the US Air Force, who worked on British and European bases, was found to have high PFAS levels in his blood years after retirement and now suffers from multiple health conditions, including thyroid cancer. A former RAF firefighter described how firefighting foams were used routinely during training exercises, often released directly onto open fields with no environmental containment.
The Ministry of Defence has committed to working with the Environment Agency to assess its sites. Investigations are already underway to explore the possibility of restricting PFAS in military firefighting foams. It is also acknowledged that military bases are not the only source of PFAS pollution in the UK. Other contributors include airports, manufacturing plants, landfills, paper mills, and metal plating facilities.
The Environment Agency is leading a multi-year project to better understand PFAS sources and pollution levels in England. The newly developed screening tool is already being used to prioritise high-risk sites and guide future investigations.
Government officials maintain that there is no current evidence that UK tap water exceeds safety thresholds for PFAS. The Drinking Water Inspectorate has set guidelines for 48 types of PFAS, with a limit of 0.1 micrograms per litre.
Earlier this year, documents revealed by environmental watchdogs raised concerns that several RAF sites may already be acting as significant PFAS pollution hubs. In a separate case, Duxford airfield, now managed by the Imperial War Museum, was linked to PFOS contamination in drinking water in South Cambridgeshire. That site is now under investigation by the Environment Agency.
Scientists warn that current PFAS monitoring in the UK only scratches the surface. Many compounds remain undetected, and testing facilities are already operating at full capacity. While testing technology is improving, the scale of the challenge is growing rapidly.
Experts say the UK must move quickly to develop a clear, science-based strategy to tackle PFAS contamination, safeguard public health, and protect natural ecosystems for future generations.
