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.

美國環保署署長雷根認為，這項規定是改善公眾健康和保障數百萬美國人飲用水安全的關鍵一步。雖然該規定受到了環保和健康倡導者的讚揚，但一些人認為，鑑於全氟烷基和多氟烷基物質（PFAS）的已知危害，應該更早實施限制。美國環保署估計，只有一小部分供水系統的PFAS含量會超過設定限值，並將制定實施處理系統的時間表。

供水商、生產商和政府機構正攜手合作，共同應對 PFAS 污染問題，相關資金已撥用於建設處理系統和支付法律糾紛賠償金。儘管該規定旨在提升公眾健康，但人們仍擔憂這會給小型社區帶來沉重的經濟負擔，以及能否滿足美國環保署 (EPA) 的要求。

總體而言，國家飲用水中 PFAS 含量限制的實施標誌著在保護公眾健康和解決與這些有害化學物質相關的環境問題方面取得了重大進展。