Toxic chemicals which could cause cancer have been found in two Sussex waterways.

High levels of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were discovered near water treatment works in the River Ouse and Glynde Reach.

The substances, which never biodegrade, are commonly used in cosmetics, detergents, textiles, food packaging, and fire-fighting foams.

But research has also revealed the devastating health hazards associated with PFASs.

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They have been shown to harm reproduction in humans by harming foetus developments, negatively impact our hormonal systems, and may even cause cancer.

And as PFASs are discovered in our county’s waters, Lewes District Green Party is demanding water companies be brought under public ownership.

“Southern Water’s own figures already show unacceptable levels of untreated wastewater including raw sewage discharging from several local sewage works,” said Green Party councillor and parliamentary spokeswoman Emily O’Brien.

“This new research shows that there is additional chemical pollution which, quite literally, will remain in our environment for ever.

"People have had enough. The government has consistently failed to protect water quality. We need to see proper regulation and we need to bring water companies back into public hands.”

PFASs are a family of around 10,000 chemicals which have now been found at around 17,000 sites across the UK and Europe.

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But Southern Water said the amount of PFASs in its water does not exceed the safety limit of 0.1 microgram per litre.

A spokesman for Southern Water said: “We work closely with our regulators on all public health and environmental issues.

“We have been working closely with the Drinking Water Inspectorate and were monitoring levels in water sources even before new guidance requiring us to do so was issued. No results have been found in our sources of drinking water exceeding 0.1 microgram per litre.

“Monitoring the health of rivers is led by the Environment Agency, and we ensure our wastewater treatment works comply with any regulations placed on them.”

Southern Water said it is continuing to protect and enhance the environment by investing £2 billion between 2020 and 2025 across its network.