EPA announces new PFAS education initiative for water systems
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Charlotte Mitchell Duyshart
Andrew Nober
Samuel Geurtsen-Shoemate
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Key Takeaways
On April 14, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) launched the PFAS OUT initiative to help water systems proactively tackle per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) contamination in drinking water. PFAS OUT is an outreach initiative that will connect water system managers with resources to better understand and tackle PFAS pollution ahead of upcoming regulatory deadlines.
What are PFAS?
PFAS are a family of synthetic chemicals that have been manufactured and used in a variety of industrial and consumer settings for decades. Often considered “forever chemicals” PFAS are linked to human health issues, and contamination from these products and their manufacturing can persist in the environment for years. In 2024, EPA issued regulations on the concentration of PFAS allowed in public drinking water supplies.
The regulation has set Maximum Containment Levels for some PFAS compounds in drinking water and, within three years, 2027, of the rule’s implementation, required water system operators to keep the amount of PFAS in their system below the required levels. Within five years, systems must take action to remove the PFAS from their water and inform users of the system of the presence of PFAS in their water.
Counties own and operate drinking, waste- and stormwater systems across the country, including those where PFAS is found, and are working to ensure that federal water quality standards are upheld. EPA’s announcement expands federal support for local governments in their efforts to remove PFAS from drinking water.
What’s next for counties?
Under the initiative, EPA will proactively reach out to about 3,000 water systems with PFOA or PFOS levels above 4 parts per trillion (PPT) this summer and will host webinars for the program later in the year. The program will focus on small, rural and disadvantaged communities. Webinars are not exclusive to systems with levels over four 4 PPT and will provide valuable information on PFAS remediation for water systems of all sizes. The program will provide education and access to training and technical assistance in removing PFAS from water systems. More information on the program can be found here.
NACo encourages counties that are concerned about PFAS levels in drinking water to participate in this program and will continue to monitor developments in federal support as counties work to uphold water quality standards and protect residents.
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Resource
Legislative Analysis: Impact of PFAS Regulations on Counties
