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PFAS – A whole system approach to an impossible problem 

PFAS – A whole system approach to an impossible problem 

Challenge: Breakthrough 4: Catalyst
Water cycle: Waste Water Treatment
Funding amount: £1,781,200
Lead water company: Severn Trent Water
Partner water companies: Hafren Dyfrdwy Cyfyngedig Southern Water Thames Water Yorkshire Water
Delivery stage: In progress
Est. completion date: Feb 2026

PFAS – A whole system approach to an impossible problem

Amount awarded: £1,781,200 

Led by: Severn Trent Water 

Partners: Cranfield University, Hafren Dyfrdwy Cyfyngedig, Scottish Water, Southern Water, Spring Innovation Ltd, Thames Water, Yorkshire Water 

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are synthetic chemical compounds that exist in water. Most PFAS are so durable that they won’t break down in the environment for many years, earning them the nickname “forever chemicals.”The project will investigate treatment options for removing and destroying concentrations of PFAS from water.  

“The water industry is continuing to investigate the issues of man-made chemicals in wastewater. Severn Trent is on the front foot with innovations and pilot testing. This new project will create a solution from a combination of technologies we believe will be useful across the water sector and further afield.” – Rich Walwyn, Head Of Asset Intelligence & Innovation, Severn Trent Water