Limits have been set for PFAS levels in U.S. drinking water

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has imposed restrictions on perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water for the first time in history, a key step in protecting the public from waterborne hazards. The limits apply to six PFAS compounds EPA limits apply to six PFAS compounds, including the two oldest and most prevalent PFAS – PFOA and PFOS – at 4 parts per trillion. This rule also sets 10 ppt limits for PFHxS, PFNA, and HFPO-DA (also known as GenX), thus establishing a benchmark for the most stringent health thresholds for these contaminants in drinking water. Under the new rule, public water systems are required to monitor these PFAS compounds with an initial three-year monitoring period ending by 2027, followed by ongoing compliance reviews. Additionally, these systems must disclose information on levels of these PFAS in drinking water starting in 2027. Additionally, public water systems have five years - through 2029 - to implement ...