EPA Weakens Regulations on PFAS Chemicals in Drinking Water
The EPA's recent decision to relax PFAS regulations raises concerns among health advocates while utilities welcome extended compliance timelines.
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Overview
On May 14, 2025, the EPA announced plans to weaken existing limits on certain PFAS chemicals in drinking water, less than a year after setting the first national standards under the Biden administration. The new regulations will keep PFOA and PFOS limits intact but extend compliance deadlines to 2031. Critics, including health advocates and environmental groups, argue this rollback poses health risks and is illegal under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Utilities, however, support the extended timeline as it could alleviate compliance costs and give them more time to adjust.
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Analysis
- The EPA plans to weaken limits on some PFAS chemicals in drinking water while maintaining strict standards for common types like PFOA and PFOS, with an extension for utilities to comply until 2031.
- Health advocates support the stringent limits on PFAS, citing health risks including cardiovascular disease and cancer, but water utilities argue that the treatment costs will raise water bills for customers.
- The Biden administration's initial regulation aimed to set enforceable caps on PFAS in drinking water, acknowledging the serious health risks associated with these chemicals and aiming to address the public's health concerns.
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FAQ
The EPA plans to rescind regulations for PFHxS, PFNA, PFBS, and HFPO-DA. The regulations for PFOA and PFOS will remain intact, with extended compliance deadlines for these chemicals.
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