What you need to know about the EPA’s new drinking water standards and PFAS
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced new drinking water standards to limit the concentration of a family of forever chemicals known as Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, or PFAS. PFAS chemicals were widely used for years in various industrial and consumer products and have been linked to health issues.
The new limits are a significant move by the EPA to safeguard the public from the impacts of PFAS chemicals. The final rule sets limits for five individual PFAS chemicals and establishes a hazard index level for mixtures of two or more PFAS chemicals. The limit for PFOA and PFOS is set at four parts per trillion.
The final rule requires all public water systems monitor for PFAS and complete the initial monitoring by 2027. If PFAS levels are found to exceed the statutory limit, the water system has until 2029 to implement solutions to reduce the PFAS level. Beginning in 2029, if a water system is found to exceed the new limits, the community is required to provide a public notification of the violation.
See the Fact Sheet at epa.gov for a detailed explanation of the new standards.
Fehr Graham helps communities implement system upgrades to meet the new requirements. We can also help communities apply and secure grant funding to pay for the upgrades. To learn more about how Fehr Graham can help limit PFAS in drinking water in your community, contact us or call 608.329.6400.
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Jennifer Buholzer, PE, is a Project Engineer who works on everything from water and wastewater projects to transportation and park projects. She develops relationships with our clients to help them find the most affordable and sustainable solutions. Jen is knowledgeable, results-driven and enthusiastic, offering training and webinars and serving as a conference speaker at dozens of events annually. Reach her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. |
