EPA PROPOSES FIRST-EVER LIMIT ON PFAS IN DRINKING WATER: The Biden administration proposed a new rule today to limit the “forever chemicals” in drinking water nationwide.
The proposed regulation seeks to limit the level of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS substances, that can contaminate drinking water. The new rule would require water utilities to detect and reduce PFAS contamination at Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) of 4 parts per trillion and require public water systems to monitor for these chemicals.
Water systems would also be required to notify residents if its PFAS levels exceeded the proposed standards.
If fully implemented, EPA officials estimate the rule will prevent thousands of deaths and reduce tens of thousands of serious illnesses linked to PFAS contamination.
PFAS substances have been linked to serious health problems, including thyroid issues, liver damage, and certain cancers.
The rule comes after the EPA said last June that PFAS chemicals were more hazardous to human health than previously thought. At the time, it issued new guidance calling on local officials to take steps such as installing water filters, and monitoring for and notifying residents in the event of PFAS contamination, but stopped short of issuing a formal regulation.
Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, the ranking Republican on Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, praised the news: “After years of urging three consecutive administrations of different parties to do so, I’m pleased a safe drinking water standard has finally been issued for PFOA and PFOS,” the West Virginia lawmaker said in a statement.
“I’m looking forward to hearing from those who
will be impacted by this announcement, including local water systems and
ratepayers across the country, on how we can provide assistance for
implementation,” she added.