National Primary Drinking Water Regulation: Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)
Summary
This final rule establishes the first-ever legally enforceable national drinking water standards for six PFAS compounds, commonly known as 'forever chemicals.' Public water systems must monitor for these contaminants and reduce levels below the maximum contaminant levels within five years, protecting approximately 100 million people from PFAS exposure.
Key Points
- 1Sets maximum contaminant levels of 4 parts per trillion for PFOA and PFOS individually
- 2Establishes a hazard index standard for mixtures of PFHxS, PFNA, PFBS, and GenX chemicals
- 3Public water systems must conduct initial monitoring within three years
- 4Systems exceeding the limits must install treatment and notify the public within five years
- 5EPA estimates the rule will prevent thousands of deaths and reduce serious illnesses including cancer
Impact Assessment
If you are a consumer, this means your public water system must test for and reduce six types of forever chemicals (PFAS) to safe levels within five years, reducing your exposure to contaminants linked to health risks.
National
Significant
Key Dates
April 26, 2024
June 25, 2024
Regulatory Connections
This summary is for informational purposes only. It may not capture all nuances of the regulation. Always refer to the official text for authoritative information.