High levels of potentially cancer-causing chemicals have been found in ground water not far from a Suffolk river that is the subject of an application for designated bathing water status.

Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs), which are linked with kidney and testicular cancer, obesity and thyroid disease, have been discovered in large quantities at Low Farm Spring in Bromeswell, which is only a short distance from the river Deben.

However, there is no evidence the PFAs, known as 'forever chemicals' because they remain in the environment for long periods of time, have been found in the river itself.

Figures obtained by a national newspaper and based on data from the Environment Agency show that a concentration of 894.13 nanograms (ng) of PFAs per litre was found at the Bromeswell site.

Guidelines from the Government's Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI), which monitors drinking water quality, require water companies to take action if levels in excess of 100ng per litre are found in supplies.

PFAs can be found in a range of materials and fluids, including teflon, sofas and mattresses, hydraulic fluid and water and stain repellent surfaces.

The chemicals can also enter the sewage system through rainwater run off and potentially be deposited in rivers.

Ruth Leach, a co-founder of Save the Deben campaign group with Suffolk County Councillor Caroline Page, described releasing the chemicals into water as an act of 'ecocide'.

She added: "These chemicals mingle in the overloaded Victorian sewage system and this toxic cocktail filters through the outdated sewage treatment works into our rivers.

"It's time to stop innocently collaborating and to support efforts being made by water companies to change practice and to also examine consumer values and modify behaviour."

The campaigners are due to hear this month if their application for two stretches of the Deben - at Waldringfield and Woodbridge - have received the special status, which certifies that the water is safe for swimming.