Key Insights on the “Forever Chemicals” in Drinking Water

On Wednesday, the Environmental Protection Agency unveiled plans to roll back restrictions on harmful “forever chemicals” in drinking water, roughly a year after the Biden administration implemented its first-ever national standards.

Last year, the Biden administration introduced regulations that could reduce PFA exposure for millions. This initiative was part of a broader effort to enhance drinking water quality by creating rules to mandate the removal of toxic lead pipes and tackle the forever chemical issue following years of activism.

During President Donald Trump’s administration, there were fewer environmental regulations and increased development in the oil and gas sectors. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has actioned the agenda by announcing a significant rollback of regulations.

We have learned about plans to eliminate certain PFA restrictions and extend deadlines for two of the most prevalent types. Here are some key points about PFAS chemicals and the EPA’s role.

What is PFA?

PFAS, or Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl substances, have existed for decades and are a group of chemicals that have contaminated the air, water, and soil across the country.

Manufactured by companies like 3M and Chemours, they have made eggs slide out of non-stick pans, helped firefighting foams extinguish flames, and allowed textiles to repel water.

However, these chemicals do not break down easily, leading to enduring environmental presence.

Why are they harmful to humans?

Activists have long warned about the health risks associated with PFAS before the dangers were acknowledged publicly. The same properties that make PFAS valuable—such as their resistance to degradation—pose significant health risks.

PFAS can accumulate in the human body. Consequently, the Biden administration has established limits on two common types, PFOA and PFOS, which continue to be found in the environment despite being phased out of production.

Exposure to certain PFAS has been linked to various health issues, including kidney disease, low birth weight, elevated cholesterol levels, and even certain cancers, according to the EPA.

Guidelines for PFOA and PFOS have significantly evolved in recent years, reflecting new scientific discoveries. For instance, the 2016 EPA recommended that combined levels of these two substances should not exceed 70 parts per trillion, while the Biden administration later deemed this amount unsafe.

Understanding the EPA’s actions

The EPA is planning to roll back restrictions on three types of PFAS, including less commonly known substances like GenX found predominantly in North Carolina, as well as PFHXS and PFNA. Furthermore, limits regarding PFAS mixtures are also set to be withdrawn.

Few utilities currently would be impacted by the easing of restrictions on these specific types of PFAS. Recent sampling showed that nearly 12% of U.S. water utilities exceed the Biden administration’s limits. However, many utilities are still addressing PFOA and PFOS challenges.

For the more commonly found types, PFOA and PFOS, the EPA will maintain existing restrictions but will provide an additional two years—until 2031—for utilities to comply.

Reactions to the announcement

Environmental groups argue that the EPA’s move to weaken regulations may be illegal. The Safe Drinking Water Act empowers the EPA to limit water contaminants and ensures that new rules do not loosen previous standards.

“The law clearly states that the EPA cannot abolish or weaken drinking water standards,” noted Eric Olson, a senior strategist with the nonprofit Natural Resources Defense Council.

Activists are largely critical of the EPA for not upholding Biden-era standards, warning that this could worsen public health issues.

Industry responses have varied. The American Chemistry Council questioned the scientific foundation of the Biden administration’s stricter rules, asserting that the Trump administration had prioritized cost considerations and scientific foundations.

“EPA actions only partially address this issue and are necessary to prevent significant community impacts and unintended consequences,” the industry group stated.

The American Water Works Association, representing two major utility industry groups, expressed support for the EPA’s decision to withdraw the new approach to limiting chemical mixtures, though they cautioned that this change would not significantly alleviate compliance costs associated with PFAS regulations.

Some utilities expressed a desire for stricter PFOA and PFOS limits, according to Mark White, a drinking water expert at engineering firm CDM Smith.

However, they received the extension instead.

“This will require additional time to handle the current knowledge, demanding more resources. Some utilities are still determining their existing situation.”