The Environmental Protection Agency has implemented a new regulation requiring municipal water systems to reduce levels of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to near-zero levels. PFAS, known as “forever chemicals,” are found in many everyday items and have been linked to various health problems, including cancer. The new regulation is expected to prevent thousands of deaths and reduce serious illnesses related to PFAS exposure in drinking water. The cost of compliance with the regulation is estimated to be around $1.5 billion annually for water utilities, with concerns about how to fund this requirement.
PFAS chemicals are so widespread that almost every person in the United States has them in their bloodstream. A recent study detected PFAS in nearly half of tap water samples across the country. Exposure to PFAS has been associated with metabolic disorders, fertility issues, developmental delays, and increased risk of certain cancers. The new regulation aims to monitor and reduce PFAS contamination in public water systems, setting a standard of 4 parts per trillion for these substances. Water utilities will have three years to complete monitoring and two additional years to install filtration equipment if needed.
The regulation is seen as a significant step in reducing PFAS exposure and protecting public health. Health advocates and scientists have long called for stricter regulations on these harmful chemicals, pointing to the growing body of evidence linking PFAS exposure to various health issues. The EPA’s calculation of the health benefits from the new regulation includes reductions in cancer, heart attacks, strokes, and birth complications, amounting to about $1.5 billion annually. However, industry groups and some officials have raised concerns about the economic feasibility of complying with the regulation, estimating costs as high as $3.2 billion annually for monitoring and remediation.
The importance of clean drinking water is undisputed, but the financial burden of meeting the new PFAS regulations is a significant concern for many communities, particularly those with limited resources. Critics argue that setting standards near zero could be economically unachievable for manufacturers and water systems, potentially leading to production moving outside the U.S. where environmental regulations may be less stringent. While the costs of compliance are a point of contention, public health advocates emphasize the urgency of addressing PFAS contamination in drinking water due to its detrimental health effects.
The E.P.A.’s new PFAS regulation is a response to the widespread presence of these chemicals in tap water and the mounting evidence of their harmful effects on human health. The regulation requires monitoring and reduction of PFAS contamination in public water supplies, setting a standard that water utilities must meet within a specified timeframe. While the costs of compliance are a concern for some, public health advocates argue that the potential health benefits far outweigh the economic challenges. Moving forward, efforts to address PFAS contamination and protect communities from the health risks associated with these “forever chemicals” will continue to be a priority for regulatory agencies, water systems, and public health advocates.
