In a historic move, the Biden administration has finalized stringent regulations on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly referred to as "forever chemicals," in drinking water. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the first-ever national legally enforceable drinking water standard for PFAS, a move that is expected to reduce exposure for 100 million people and help prevent thousands of illnesses, including cancers.
PFAS, which are widespread and persist in the environment for long periods, have been linked to a range of severe health problems, including cancers, liver and heart damage, and developmental impacts in children. They are found in everyday products including nonstick pans, firefighting foam, and waterproof clothing.
The new rule sets strict limits on two common types of PFAS — PFOA and PFOS — at 4 parts per trillion. Three other types, including GenEx Chemicals, are limited to 10 parts per trillion. Water providers will be required to test for these PFAS chemicals and inform the public when levels exceed the set limits.
"EPA Administrator Michael Regan says the rule is the most important action the EPA has ever taken on PFAS," the agency stated. "The result is a comprehensive and life-changing rule, one that will improve the health and vitality of so many communities across our country.”
The Biden administration has also secured historic levels of funding to meet this new standard. An additional $1 billion through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda will help every state and territory fund PFAS detection and treatment systems to meet the new standard. This funding is part of the $9 billion in dedicated funding through the President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to address PFAS and other emerging contaminants in drinking water – the largest-ever investment in tackling PFAS pollution.
However, water utilities have expressed concerns about the rule, citing the high cost of installing treatment systems and the potential for increased water bills for customers. Legal challenges are expected to follow.
Despite these concerns, health advocates have praised the EPA for not backing away from the tough limits proposed last year. Scott Faber, a food and water expert at the Environmental Working Group, said, “Reducing PFAS in our drinking water is the most cost-effective way to reduce our exposure. It's much more challenging to reduce other exposures such as PFAS in food or clothing or carpets.”
The new regulation is a significant step in the Biden administration's broader commitment to deliver clean water for every American. The President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invests over $50 billion to upgrade water infrastructure – the largest investment in clean water in American history. This includes a historic $15 billion to replace toxic lead pipes and protect children from brain damage, as part of President Biden’s goal of replacing every lead pipe in the country within a decade.
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