Biden Administration Introduces Inaugural Nationwide Regulations for Harmful PFAS in Drinking Water
The Biden administration has officially set stringent limits on certain persistent chemical compounds, known as “forever chemicals,” in drinking water, compelling utilities to reduce them to the lowest detectable levels. Officials anticipate this measure will benefit around 100 million individuals and prevent thousands of illnesses, including various cancers.
This groundbreaking rule marks the first national drinking water regulation concerning toxic PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances), notorious for their widespread presence and enduring environmental impact.
Health advocates have lauded the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for upholding robust limits proposed last year. However, water utilities have expressed concerns about the financial burden associated with implementing treatment systems, which may ultimately lead to increased water costs for consumers.
The new standards usher in a new era for water providers, aiming to enhance tap water safety for millions, aligning with a key priority of the Biden administration. Concurrently, the EPA has proposed mandating utilities to eradicate hazardous lead pipes.
Nevertheless, utility groups caution that these regulations will incur substantial costs, particularly affecting smaller communities with limited resources, and are poised to mount legal challenges against the ruling.
EPA Administrator Michael Regan hails this rule as the agency’s most significant action on PFAS, emphasizing its far-reaching impact on communities nationwide.
PFAS chemicals pose a considerable health risk due to their persistent nature and association with various health issues, including low birth weight and kidney cancer. Despite some PFAS types being phased out, others persist in the environment, necessitating water providers to address contamination from various sources.
The new rule imposes strict limits on two common PFAS types—PFOA and PFOS—at 4 parts per trillion, with three other types, including GenEx Chemicals, capped at 10 parts per trillion. Utilities must conduct tests for these chemicals and inform the public when levels exceed prescribed limits. Moreover, combinations of certain PFAS types will also be subject to restrictions.
While the rule has garnered praise from environmental and health advocates, criticisms linger regarding the delayed implementation of limits and the decades-long knowledge about PFAS dangers among manufacturers. The EPA anticipates that a fraction of water systems will exceed the new limits, underscoring the urgency of addressing PFAS contamination in drinking water.
To assist utilities in compliance, funding options are available, including recent settlements from PFAS litigation and allocations from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Nonetheless, challenges lie ahead, particularly for communities grappling with unexpected test results and the financial implications of treatment system installations.
Overall, the new regulations represent a significant step towards safeguarding public health, yet underscore the ongoing imperative of addressing PFAS contamination comprehensively and expeditiously.
