EPA Issued First National Drinking Water Standard to Protect Against PFAS Exposure

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). 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 expects the rule to prevent PFAS exposure in drinking water for approximately 100 million people. PFAS, or “forever chemicals”, have been linked to cancer, impacts on the liver and heart, and immune and developmental harm to infants and children. 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 here.