On April 10, 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced new safety standards in its National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) to protect against PFAS, also known as "forever chemicals." These substances, which can have long-lasting effects on both human health and the environment, have prompted the EPA to take action to ensure cleaner and safer drinking water for millions of people.
PFAS, or Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are chemicals known for their durability and resistance to wear and tear, but they pose significant health risks. They have been linked to various health issues such as cancer, liver damage, and developmental problems in children. The EPA's new rules establish strict safety limits, known as Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs), for six harmful PFAS chemicals, including PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, PFNA, and HFPO-DA (Gen-X). These limits aim to reduce the presence of these chemicals in drinking water to safeguard public health.
Water systems are required to test for PFAS in the water, inform the public if these chemicals are detected, and take necessary steps to reduce PFAS levels if they exceed the established safety limits. While water systems have up to five years to comply with the new regulations, immediate action is encouraged to ensure the safety of drinking water.
This recent development by the EPA is not the first of its kind. The agency has been actively working to understand PFAS and protect the public from its harmful effects for years. Previous efforts have included setting guidelines on acceptable levels of PFAS in water and taking enforcement actions against companies that have misled the public about the dangers associated with these chemicals.