New federal rules require all states to meet stricter PFAS limits in drinking water, a costly mandate for many.
Alex Brown reports for Stateline.
In short:
- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's new standards give states three years to test for PFAS and two more years to install treatment systems if contamination is found.
- PFAS chemicals, which do not break down naturally, have been linked to serious health issues such as cancer and immune system damage.
- Meeting these new requirements will be expensive, with costs potentially reaching $4 billion annually, significantly impacting water rates and affordability.
Key quote:
“If we keep it out of the river in the first place, … [the utility] doesn’t have to spend millions of dollars for treatment.”
— Jean Zhuang, senior attorney with the Southern Environmental Law Center
Why this matters:
The new federal rules are crucial for ensuring safe drinking water nationwide, potentially reducing health risks associated with PFAS exposure. However, the high costs and tight timelines pose significant challenges for state and local water systems. Read more: What will the EPA’s new regulations for “forever chemicals” in drinking water mean for Pennsylvania?
