The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a national regulation aimed at limiting the amount of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) found in drinking water. PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” are synthetic substances that can persist in the environment for thousands of years. The EPA has stated that there is no safe level of exposure to PFAS, and the new regulation will require public water utilities to test for six different types of PFAS to reduce exposure in drinking water. The new standards are expected to benefit 100 million people and prevent thousands of deaths and illnesses.
To assist public water utility companies in complying with the new drinking water standards, the EPA is allocating $1 billion to states and territories for PFAS testing and treatment at public water systems. This funding is part of a $9 billion investment made possible by the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help communities impacted by PFAS contamination. The initiative has been praised by President Biden, who aims to ensure access to clean and safe drinking water for all individuals. PFAS have been in use since the 1940s and are found in a wide range of products, posing significant health and environmental risks.
Research has shown that exposure to certain levels of PFAS in the environment can lead to various health issues, including reproductive problems, developmental delays in children, suppressed immune system, increased cholesterol levels, cardiovascular issues, and certain types of cancer. While the new regulation is a step in the right direction, critics argue that it does not go far enough as it only regulates six out of more than 15,000 PFAS chemicals. The EPA estimates that 6% to 10% of the 66,000 public water utility systems impacted by the standard may need to take action to comply with the regulations, with operators given a five-year timeline to address contamination.
The cost of treating water contaminated with PFAS is estimated to be around $1.5 billion, but the benefits of protecting public health outweigh the costs. It has taken a significant amount of time to regulate PFAS at the federal level due to opposition from the chemical industry and water utilities concerned about the financial implications of compliance. While the new regulations place the responsibility on water utility companies to clean up contamination, they do little to hold polluters accountable for the damage caused by PFAS. Individuals can take steps to limit their exposure to PFAS in drinking water by asking their utility company about testing procedures or investing in technologies to filter PFAS from home water sources.
There have been major settlements in recent years by chemical companies over PFAS contamination, highlighting the importance of addressing these harmful substances. It is essential for individuals to stay informed about PFAS and advocate for stronger regulations to protect public health and the environment. By taking proactive measures and supporting policy changes, communities can work towards reducing exposure to PFAS and ensuring access to clean, safe drinking water for all.
