EPA Announces New PFAS Drinking Water Advisories

Today, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced health advisories for four PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) chemicals "in light of newly available science and in accordance with EPA's responsibility to protect public health." Two of the advisories for PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid) and PFOS (Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid) replace those issued by EPA in 2016. The updated advisory levels are orders of magnitude lower than the 70 ppt established in 2016. PFOA's health advisory is set at 0.004 ppt and PFOS at .02 ppt. 

EPA also issued final health advisories for two other PFAS chemicals, PFBS (2,000 ppt) and so-called GenX chemicals (10 ppt).

It's important to note that drinking water health advisories are non-enforceable and non-regulatory. They are a means by which EPA provides states and other public health agencies with information concerning potential "health effects, analytical methods, and treatment technologies." Past EPA drinking water health advisories have led to regulation of certain PFAS chemicals at the state level. Given the significant updates, one would expect a similar wave of regulation at the state level.

EPA is expected to issue a proposed PFAS National Drinking Water Regulation later this year.

EPA also announced $1 billion in grant funding that can be used in "small or disadvantaged communities to address...PFAS in drinking water."