A sign is seen at the headquarters of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Washington, DC, the United States, on May 10, 2021.
Andrew Kelly | Reuters
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Wednesday released long-awaited regulations on some toxic “forever chemicals” found in drinking water.
These chemicals are called PFAS, which are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. They are made by attaching two carbon molecules to fluorine, Tom Neltner, then senior director of safe chemicals at the Environmental Defense Fund, explained to CNBC in 2023. This chemical bond is so strong that it takes a long time to break down, earning it the nickname “the forever chemical.”
These chemicals are helpful in many modern applications, from weatherproof clothing to making nonstick pans. Over time, they can leach into the environment and eventually enter the water supply.
At least 45% of tap water The United States is known to contain PFAS, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, long-term exposure to PFAS can cause cancer and can lead to serious illness, which can reduce a person’s quality of life and even lead to death. Exposure during pregnancy and early childhood can also have adverse health effects.
EPA’s new final rule sets limits on five separate PFAS: PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFHxS and HFPO-DA (also known as GenX chemicals). The EPA has also set hazard index levels for mixtures of two or more of the four PFAS: PFNA, PFHxS, HFPO-DA and PFBS.
In this final rule, EPA sets limits for five individual PFAS: PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFHxS, and HFPO-DA (known as GenX chemicals). EPA also sets hazard index levels for mixtures of two or more of the four PFAS: PFNA, PFHxS, HFPO-DA, and PFBS.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Maximum contaminant levels for the chemicals PFOA and PFOS in drinking water are set at 4.0 parts per trillion. PFNA, PFHxS and HFPO-DA (GenX chemicals) are limited to 10 parts per trillion. The hazard index limit for mixtures of two or more PFNA, PFHxS, HFPO-DA and PFBS is 1.
Complying with the rule would cost about $1.5 billion annually, according to the EPA.
Exactly who will foot the bill is still being determined, but is likely to be a mix of private sector funding, government funding and potential fees or taxes on the American public who get their water through public water systems.
The White House has allocated $9 billion from the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure bill to help communities affected by PFAS contamination in drinking water.
The law also allocates an additional $12 billion to improve general drinking water supplies to local communities, including issues with PFAS contamination.
M. Susan Hardwick, president and CEO of American Water, the largest investor-owned utility, said the company will continue to prepare to comply with the new rules and advocated for “financial help.” Reduce compliance costs.”
American Water said it provides water and wastewater services to customers in 14 states, including 18 military bases. Hardwick explained that they are already actively treating PFAS in states such as New Jersey, Pennsylvania and California.
However, a report commissioned by the American Water Works Association estimated that the cost of complying with the rule would be close to $3.8 billion per year.
The American Chemistry Council stated in its report that Press release The rule “ignores science” and “undercuts other water resources priorities.”
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