EPA Sets Historic Limits on PFAS in Drinking Water

On April 10th 2024 the Environmental Protection Agency established a limit on the levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water. These ‘forever chemicals’ are considered likely to be carcinogenic to humans and their contamination of potable water is increasingly being seen as a global human-health concern. The decision to set the new limits is grounded in research indicating that any exposure, regardless of concentration, poses risks of disease.

The new standards mean the establishment of an enforceable limit of 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) in drinking water. Additionally, the agency has introduced a non-negotiable maximum contaminant level goal for PFOA and PFOS, set at zero. The introduction of these standards creates a regulatory framework for addressing PFAS contamination in drinking water nationwide. It provides clear guidelines for water utilities, regulators and policymakers to follow in managing and mitigating PFAS pollution.

EPA Administrator Michael Regan says the rule is the most important action the EPA has ever taken on PFAS. Water utilities must conduct monitoring for PFAS, lower levels that surpass the proposed thresholds, and inform their customers if concentrations exceed the EPA's limits. Water providers will have three years to do testing. If those tests exceed the limits, they’ll have two more years to install treatment systems. This will involve investments in monitoring equipment, treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades to ensure compliance.

The increased transparency on the part of water companies will also serve to raise awareness among consumers about PFAS contamination and empower them to take steps to protect their health. The new changes are expected to impact over 100 million people, reducing their exposure to these chemicals. They will potentially prevent nearly 10,000 deaths over decades and significantly reduce serious illnesses. By limiting PFAS contamination in drinking water sources, there may be positive environmental impacts, such as reducing the spread of these chemicals into ecosystems and mitigating harm to wildlife.

While true change will not be immediate, work has already started towards cleansing our drinking water of the pollutants caused by so-called ‘forever chemicals’. Technologies such as granular activated carbon, reverse osmosis and ion exchange systems are increasingly being employed by utility companies in pursuit of a purer water supply. The standards represent a significant step toward addressing a pressing environmental and public health issue, with the potential to safeguard communities across the United States.

Photography: Edvinas Bruzas