EPA to Regulate Certain PFAS as Contaminants, Set Limits in Drinking Water
A pre-publication draft of a final rule from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has revealed EPA’s intent to regulate several types of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as contaminants, setting new maximum levels for six PFAS in drinking water.
In March 2021, EPA issued a determination to regulate perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) as contaminants under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). EPA is now issuing a determination to regulate perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA) and ammonium salt (also known as a GenX chemicals), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS), and mixtures of these PFAS as contaminants under SDWA. The agency is also proposing a National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) and health-based Maximum Contaminant Level Goals (MCLG) for the four newly regulated PFAS and their mixtures, as well as for PFOA and PFOS.