Brady PieperThe U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced revisions to its National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) concerning per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as “forever chemicals.” While maintaining maximum contaminant levels for PFOA and PFOS, the agency plans to rescind limits on four other PFAS compounds.
The EPA stated its intent to withdraw regulations for PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA (commonly known as GenX) and PFBS, citing a need to ensure that regulatory determinations align with the legal processes outlined in the Safe Drinking Water Act. Despite these changes, the agency will uphold the maximum contaminant levels for PFOA and PFOS at 4 parts per trillion, extending the compliance deadline for public water systems from 2029 to 2031.
In early 2024, the EPA finalized the NPDWR, which set enforceable standards on PFOA and PFOS levels. The rule mandated public water utilities to comply with a maximum contaminant level of certain PFAS in drinking water systems, including PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA and PFBS.
PFAS, which are resilient carbon-fluorine bonds, are heat-, water- and oil-resistant chemicals. Often seen in manufacturing and some consumer products, PFAS chemicals have integrated into some public drinking water systems, posing a threat to long-term environmental and public health goals.
As part of the new announcement, the EPA is providing water utilities some regulatory flexibility on this rule to address contaminants in drinking water. Previously set for 2029, owners and operators of public drinking water systems will receive a two-year extension to meet compliance goals for PFOA and PFOS.
The EPA says it anticipates this extension will provide drinking water systems with time to adjust to compliance levels and reduce the cost of water for residents.
Environmental and public health advocates have expressed concerns about the rollback, arguing that it may undermine efforts to protect communities from PFAS exposure.
The EPA’s efforts to reduce contaminant levels will include strategies to reach communities that are knowingly or unknowingly affected by PFAS. The agency will launch a new outreach platform, titled PFAS OUT, to engage with utilities, offer technical assistance and develop new strategies and plans with local, regional and state providers.
Additional resources on water systems can be found on the EPA’s existing water technical assistance (WaterTA) platform, which provides personalized solutions to address PFAS in local systems.
Federal funding opportunities are also available to municipalities and private businesses looking to improve drinking water systems and treatment methods.
The EPA is encouraging prospective borrowers to apply for federal funding initiatives, including the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund program, the Emerging Contaminants in Small or Disadvantaged Communities (ECSDC) grant program and the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act program.
Coinciding with the 2024 final rule, the federal government continues to provide the EPA $1 billion annually through the ECSDC program. Funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act through fiscal year 2026, the ECSDC provides grants to small and historically disadvantaged communities for drinking water strengthening projects.
Photo Courtesy EPA via Wikimedia Commons
