EPA Sets Limits on PFAS in Drinking Water

On April 10, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) implemented first-ever restrictions on the perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) substances in drinking water, a pivotal move in shielding public well-being from waterborne hazards.

EPA’s cap target six PFAS compounds, including two of the oldest and most widespread PFAS—PFOA and PFOS—at 4 parts per trillion. The rule also sets limits of 10 ppt for PFHxS, PFNA, and HFPO-DA (also known as GenX), thereby establishing a benchmark for the most stringent health thresholds concerning these impurities in potable water.

Under the new rule, public water systems are required to monitor these PFAS compounds, with an initial monitoring period of three years, concluding by 2027, followed by ongoing compliance checks. Additionally, these systems must disclose information regarding the levels of these PFAS in drinking water, commencing in 2027. Further, public water systems are allotted five years—until 2029—to implement remedies aimed at decreasing PFAS levels if monitoring reveals that these levels exceed the designated maximum contaminant levels (MCLs).

Nicknamed “forever chemicals” because of their resistance to be degraded or destroyed, PFAS have been associated with several health issues, including high cholesterol, cancer, and thyroid disease. “There’s no doubt that these chemicals have been important for certain industries and consumer uses, but there’s also no doubt that many of these chemicals can be harmful to our health and our environment,” Michael Regan, EPA Administrator, said on a call to media this week.

Starting in 2029, public water systems found to have PFAS concentrations in drinking water surpassing the MCLs must take measures to reduce these levels and notify the public of the violation.

In an effort to help with enforcement, EPA announced it would make $1 billion in funding available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help states implement PFAS testing and treatment at public water systems and to help owners of private wells address PFAS contamination.