EPA announces decision to set regulatory drinking water standards for PFAS

Key Takeaways

On February 20, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it will propose regulatory drinking water standards for two toxic chemicals known as PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Specifically, EPA will set health-protective drinking water standards for Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and Perfluorooctanesulfate (PFOS), which are the two most studied types of PFAS.

PFAS have been used in the production of Teflon, Scotchgard, cardboard packaging and other products since the 1960s. Manufacturers stopped using the chemicals in 2006, but because they don’t deteriorate, these potentially harmful chemicals pose a long-term risk. In addition, the U.S. Department of Defense has mandated use of a firefighting foam that contains chemicals in the PFAS family.

The announcement is part of the EPA’s PFAS Action Plan released last year to address PFAS and protect the public health. The PFAS Action Plan outlines tools EPA is developing to address PFAS in drinking water, identify and clean up PFAS contamination, expand monitoring of PFAS manufacturing, increase PFAS scientific research and promote effective enforcement tools. Additionally, it outlines EPA’s commitment to take a wide variety of actions to address this emerging contaminant in both a short-term and long-term timeframe. The EPA recently released its PFAS Action Plan: Program Update in February 2020, which demonstrates the efforts made by EPA over the last year to help states and local communities address PFAS contamination concerns.

As owners, users and regulators of water resources, counties are directly impacted by new regulatory standards to address PFAS contamination. Counties support efforts by EPA and other federal agencies to study the health and environmental impacts of PFAS compounds. Additionally, as the administration moves toward potential regulatory action, counties urge the administration to work closely with state and local governments throughout the rule-making process.

The EPA is seeking public comments on its proposed regulatory determinations for PFOA and PFAS. In addition, EPA is asking for information and data on other PFAS substances, as well as seeking comment on potential monitoring requirements and regulatory approaches EPA is considering for PFAS chemicals. The deadline to submit comments is June 10. For more information, click here.