US Sets Limit On Toxic PFAS In Drinking Water, Advocate Groups Calls It ‘Historic’ Rule

(Photo : Getty Images/ Dimitar DILKOFF )

The United States has established the first nationwide limitations on many dangerous substances found in tap water around the country.

Historic Rule

TThe US Environmental Protection Agency has established legally enforceable drinking water restrictions for a group of the most harmful PFAS compounds, marking what public health advocates describe as "historic" rules that will significantly enhance the safety of the country's water.

PFAS, or "forever chemicals," are prevalent in the environment and are thought to contaminate drinking water for over 200 million people in the United States.

Any exposure to certain very poisonous forms of the chemicals is considered a health and cancer concern.

The agency's action is the first time it has set new drinking water restrictions for contaminants in 27 years, and the rules are part of the Biden administration's larger push to reduce PFAS pollution.

Officials stated that the measures will cut exposure for 100 million people and help avoid thousands of illnesses, including cancer.

Michael Regan, the EPA administrator, stated that the regulation was the most significant action the agency had ever taken on PFAS.

"The result is a comprehensive and life-changing rule, one that will improve the health and vitality of so many communities across our country," said Regan.

Save 10,000 Lives

PFAS compounds are harmful since they do not decompose in the environment and have been related to health issues such as low birth weight, liver illness, and some malignancies.

The EPA estimates that implementing the rule will cost roughly $1.5 billion per year, but it will save nearly 10,000 lives over the next several decades and considerably reduce serious illnesses.

They've been employed in everyday items like nonstick pans, firefighting foam, and waterproof clothes. Some of the most frequent varieties have been phased out in the United States, while others persist. Water companies will now be required to remove contaminants introduced into the environment by other sectors.

"Even tiny, tiny, tiny amounts each time you take a drink of water over your lifetime is going to keep adding up, leading to the health effects," said Scott Belcher, a North Carolina State University professor who researches PFAS toxicity.

Environmental and health organizations applauded the rule but claimed PFAS makers knew the substances were toxic decades ago but concealed or downplayed evidence. They argue that limits should have been implemented sooner.

Over the past year, the EPA has disclosed batches of utility test findings for PFAS in drinking water. Approximately 16% of utilities detected at least one of the two strictly prohibited PFAS compounds at or above the new levels. These utilities benefit tens of millions of people. However, the Biden administration estimates that 6-10% of water systems will surpass the new limitations.

Water companies will typically have three years to conduct tests. If the tests surpass the restrictions, they will have two years to construct treatment systems, according to EPA officials.

The proposed limitations created early last year fueled a surge of utility lawsuits against PFAS companies such as 3M, DuPont, and Chemours. The businesses settled several class lawsuits, agreeing to pay up to $15 billion to assist in funding upgrades to municipal water filtration systems.