The rule is the first national drinking water limit on toxic PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, which are widespread and long lasting in the environment.
Water providers are entering a new era with significant additional health standards that the EPA says will make tap water safer for millions of consumers — a Biden administration priority.
“Reducing PFAS in our drinking water is the most cost effective way to reduce our exposure,” said Scott Faber, a food and water expert at Environmental Working Group.
Over the last year, EPA has periodically released batches of utility test results for PFAS in drinking water.
The Biden administration, however, expects about 6-10% of water systems to exceed the new limits.
Manufacturer 3M recently agreed to pay more than $10 billion to drinking water providers to settle PFAS litigation.
The American Water Works Association, an industry group, says it supports the development of PFAS limits in drinking water, but argues the EPA’s rule has big problems. »
