Why are national drinking water limits being imposed on PFAS now?

The Biden administration has implemented the first-ever national drinking water limits on toxic PFAS, known as perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances. These limits will require water utilities to reduce these harmful chemicals to the lowest measurable level, impacting about 100 million people and preventing various illnesses including cancers. Although health advocates applaud the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for setting these strict limits, water utilities have expressed concerns regarding the cost of implementing treatment systems and the potential increase in water costs for customers.

PFAS chemicals are persistent in the environment and have been linked to health issues such as low birth weight and kidney cancer. Despite some types being phased out, others remain in products like nonstick pans and firefighting foam. The new rule sets limits on common types of PFAS, including PFOA and PFOS, with testing and public disclosure requirements for water providers.

The EPA's Administrator Michael Regan considers this rule as a crucial step in improving public health and ensuring the safety of drinking water for millions of Americans. While the rule has received praise from environmental and health advocates, some argue that limits should have been imposed earlier given the known dangers of PFAS. The EPA estimates that a small percentage of water systems will exceed the set limits and will have a timeline for implementing treatment systems.

Water providers, manufacturers, and government agencies are working together to address PFAS contamination, with funds allocated for treatment systems and settlements from legal disputes. While the rule aims to enhance public health, concerns remain about the financial burden on smaller communities and the feasibility of meeting the EPA's requirements.

Overall, the implementation of national drinking water limits on PFAS marks a significant milestone in protecting public health and addressing environmental concerns associated with these harmful chemicals.