The Biden administration has finalized strict limits on certain chemicals, known as “forever chemicals,” in drinking water in order to reduce exposure for 100 million people and prevent illnesses, including cancers. This rule marks the first national drinking water limit on toxic PFAS chemicals, which are long-lasting and widespread in the environment. The move has been praised by health advocates for its potential to make tap water safer for millions of consumers. However, water utilities are concerned about the cost of implementing treatment systems and the impact on customer water bills.
PFAS chemicals are hazardous because of their inability to degrade in the environment and their links to health issues such as low birth weight and kidney cancer. These chemicals have been used in various everyday products, such as nonstick pans and firefighting foam. The new rule sets strict limits on two common types of PFAS — PFOA and PFOS — at 4 parts per trillion, with other types limited to 10 parts per trillion. Water providers will have to test for and remove these substances from drinking water to protect public health.
Communities across the country are entering a new era with increased health standards for drinking water set by the EPA. The agency has also proposed rules to remove dangerous lead pipes in utilities. However, utility groups warn that the cost of implementing these regulations will be high, running into tens of billions of dollars, and will disproportionately affect smaller communities with fewer resources. Legal challenges to the new rules are expected as water providers face the challenge of dealing with PFAS contamination in their systems.
Environmental and health advocates have long called for stricter limits on PFAS chemicals in drinking water, citing the dangers these substances pose and the manufacturers’ knowledge of their risks. While the EPA’s new rule has been welcomed, critics argue that it should have come sooner to prevent harm to public health. Increased funding and support may be necessary to help water utilities comply with the new regulations and protect communities from the risks associated with PFAS exposure.
The implementation of the new regulations will involve testing for PFAS chemicals in drinking water systems, with utilities having three years to conduct tests and an additional two years to install treatment systems if contamination levels exceed the limits. The EPA estimates that about 6-10% of water systems will exceed the new limits, necessitating remediation efforts to ensure safe drinking water for consumers. While some funds are available to support utilities in this process, additional resources may be required to address the widespread contamination of PFAS chemicals in water supplies.
Recent shifts in EPA health guidance for PFAS chemicals reflect growing concern about their impact on public health and the environment. The new rule aims to address these risks by setting strict limits on certain PFAS chemicals in drinking water, a move that has been applauded by advocates. However, challenges remain for water utilities in terms of the cost and logistics of compliance with the new regulations. Efforts are underway to address PFAS contamination in various communities, but additional support may be needed to ensure that all water systems are in compliance and that public health is protected from the harmful effects of these toxic chemicals.
