U.S. EPA Sets New Drinking Water Standards for PFAS, Aiming to Reduce Exposure and Health Risks

The new regulations set enforceable limits on six common PFAS chemicals, impacting public water systems nationwide and requiring compliance within five years.

The EPA's new rule targets a maximum limit of 4 parts per trillion for PFOA and PFOS, and 10 parts per trillion for other PFAS chemicals.
Over 5,000 U.S. water systems have recorded PFAS levels above the new thresholds, necessitating significant upgrades.
The regulations are expected to benefit about 100 million people by reducing exposure to these toxic chemicals.
States like Colorado and Florida are already seeing water systems that exceed these new limits, prompting local actions and lawsuits.
The federal government will provide financial aid to help smaller utilities and water districts comply, but challenges remain in funding and implementation.