In a landmark decision aimed at safeguarding public health, the Biden-Harris Administration, through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has established the first-ever national, legally enforceable standard for drinking water, targeting the pervasive and harmful per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as 'forever chemicals.' This ground-breaking move is poised to protect approximately 100 million Americans from the adverse health effects of PFAS exposure, including various cancers and developmental harms to infants and children.
A Leap Towards Cleaner, Safer Water
PFAS, notorious for their persistence in the environment and the human body, have been linked to significant health risks. The newly finalized rule by the EPA marks a pivotal step under its PFAS Strategic Roadmap to minimize PFAS exposure, thereby preventing thousands of deaths and reducing the incidence of serious illnesses. It encapsulates the Biden-Harris Administration's broader strategy to combat PFAS pollution through comprehensive governmental efforts.
Bolstering Efforts with Significant Funding
Further reinforcing this commitment, the Administration has unveiled nearly $1 billion in funding through the Investing in America agenda, facilitated by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This funding is dedicated to aiding state and territorial efforts in PFAS testing and treatment in public water systems, and assisting private well owners with PFAS contamination challenges. It forms a part of a larger $9 billion initiative aimed at confronting PFAS and other emergent contaminants, representing the most extensive investment to date in combating PFAS pollution.
PFAS Chemicals Covered by the Rule
The rule sets limits for five individual PFAS chemicals and also establishes a combined limit for mixtures of certain PFAS:
- Individual Limits: For PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid) and PFOS (Perfluorooctanesulfonic Acid), the EPA is setting enforceable Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) at 4.0 parts per trillion. For PFNA (Perfluorononanoic Acid), PFHxS (Perfluorohexanesulfonic Acid), and HFPO-DA (also known as "GenX Chemicals"), the MCLGs (Maximum Contaminant Level Goals) and MCLs are set at 10 parts per trillion.
- Combined Limits: For mixtures of any two or more of the following PFAS: PFNA, PFHxS, PFBS (Perfluorobutanesulfonic Acid), and “GenX Chemicals,” a specific limit is set to address the cumulative health impacts.
Impact and Scope
- Public Health Protection: The rule aims to significantly reduce PFAS exposure for approximately 100 million Americans, preventing thousands of premature deaths and tens of thousands of serious illnesses. These include certain cancers, liver and heart impacts in adults, and immune and developmental impacts in infants and children.
- Coverage: It is estimated that about 6% to 10% of the 66,000 public drinking water systems subject to this rule may need to take action to reduce PFAS levels to meet the new standards.
Implementation Timeline and Actions
- Monitoring and Compliance: All public water systems are required to complete their initial monitoring for these chemicals within three years. They must inform the public of the PFAS levels measured in their drinking water.
- Remedial Action: If PFAS levels exceed the standards, systems are mandated to implement solutions to reduce PFAS in their drinking water within five years.
Technologies and Support
The new limits are considered achievable using various available technologies such as granular activated carbon, reverse osmosis, and ion exchange systems. Drinking water systems will have the flexibility to determine the most suitable solution for their community.
The EPA is committed to working closely with state co-regulators, supporting water systems, and local officials in implementing this rule. The EPA plans to host a series of webinars to provide information to the public, communities, and water utilities about the final PFAS drinking water regulation and has also published a toolkit to help communicate about PFAS, its risks, and the rule.
