A 2025 report by Surfers Against Sewage revealed that in 2024, water companies in England recorded 2,487 pollution incidents—more than double the target set by the Environment Agency. This marks the highest number in a decade, despite promises to clean up their act. The water industry was meant to reduce pollution by 40%, but instead, there was a 30% increase.

In France, a significant portion of the population has been exposed to contaminated tap water. A 2024 study found that 43% of tested tap water samples contained PFAS, also known as "forever chemicals," which are linked to health issues such as cancer and developmental delays. Additionally, up to 12 million people have consumed water with pesticide levels exceeding safety thresholds, particularly in regions like Brittany.

A 2024 investigation by PAN Europe revealed that trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), an unregulated PFAS compound, was present in 94% of 36 tap water samples collected from 11 European countries, including France, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Netherlands, Spain and more. Current water treatment methods are ineffective against PFAS, raising concerns about widespread exposure to these persistent chemicals.