A major pollution alarm has been raised in Cumbria and Lancashire where dangerous levels of PFOS, a banned cancer-causing "forever chemical," were found in rivers and groundwater at 25 hotspots. Tests from January 2025 revealed PFOS levels as high as 3,840ng/l at one site, far exceeding the safe limit of 100ng/l. PFOS belongs to PFAS chemicals, known to last thousands of years and cause serious health risks. The contamination covers a protected natural area and affects private wells too. One local resident learned in 2021 about PFOS in their well but said, "When I contacted the agency, they offered no help." The Environment Agency reported identifying the pollution in 2022 and has informed councils and health bodies. Potential pollution sources include a paper mill in Beetham, historical landfills, sewage plants, fire stations, and caravan parks. The paper mill's current operator, Pelta Medical Papers, stated no PFAS use under their ownership since June 2025. Environmental groups criticized the government's recent PFAS action plan for lacking strict phaseouts or concrete timelines. Water UK and others demand an outright PFAS ban to protect water supplies, which are especially vulnerable amid climate change. Hannah Evans of charity Fidra said, "Persistent chemicals should not be in our drinking water, our food, or our bodies. We urgently need to turn off the tap and transition the UK towards PFAS-free alternatives."