Official data show toxic chemicals in every English water body

Every water body in England is polluted with toxic chemicals, official data shows, and only 14.3% of surface waters are in good ecological status. Environment Agency checks for toxic chemicals including PFAS and microplastics found every surface water body failed chemical standards, driven mainly by mercury, PFOS, and PBDEs. Good chemical status is not expected until 2063. Ecological status declined from 16.3% in 2019, though methods changed. The government faces accusations of failing on PFAS and mercury, while campaigners blame water companies and agriculture.