On May 14, 2025 EPA announced that while it intends to keep the 2024 PFAS drinking water standards, it will issue a proposed rule in Fall 2025 to extend compliance deadlines and “establish a federal exemption framework.” EPA did not include additional details as to what that framework will include. The agency also announced that it intends to rollback regulatory determinations for PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA (a group of PFAS known as GenX).
Background
PFAS, or “forever chemicals”, have been linked to cancer, impacts on the liver and heart, and immune and developmental harm to infants and children.
In April 2024, EPA issued the first legally enforceable drinking water standard to protect communities from PFAS exposure. The rule sets Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for six PFAS in drinking water (PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA, and certain mixtures) under the Clean Water Act. The rule also requires water systems to monitor for these PFAS and disclose PFAS levels in drinking water to the public starting in 2027. EPA expected the rule to prevent PFAS exposure in drinking water for approximately 100 million people.
On the same day, EPA made nearly $1 billion available from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support states and territories test and treat drinking water with PFAS in both public water systems and privately owned wells. Learn more about the PFAS Drinking Water Regulation Final Rule.