EPA will keep pollution limits for PFAS in water where they are

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced it will retain its current national drinking water limits for two ‘forever chemicals’ , PFOA and PFOS, but will push back deadlines for water systems to meet these standards.

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin stated the agency aims to balance public health protection with regulatory feasibility, especially for small and rural utilities.

The current limits, set in 2024 under the National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR), require water systems to reduce PFOA and PFOS to no more than 4 parts per trillion by 2029.  

However, the agency now plans to extend that compliance deadline by two years, to 2031, and is launching a new outreach program, called PFAS OUTreach, to support struggling water systems through funding, technical assistance, and regulatory guidance. 

“EPA will uphold strong standards to protect Americans from these chemicals while providing more time and flexibility for communities to meet them,” Zeldin said.  

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He emphasised the importance of avoiding cost burdens on small systems and called for a "polluter pays" approach moving forward. 

In addition to the delayed timeline, the agency signalled its intent to reassess regulations for several other PFAS chemicals, including PFHxS, PFNA, and GenX, to ensure legal soundness under the Safe Drinking Water Act. 

The move has drawn praise from water utility associations, which say the original timelines were unrealistic for communities still evaluating treatment options.

Critics, however, warn that delays could prolong public exposure to toxic substances linked to serious health risks. 

EPA’s broader PFAS strategy includes strengthening enforcement against polluters, supporting legal efforts to uphold current standards, and continuing to roll out federal funding through initiatives like the Water Technical Assistance program and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. 

The agency says it will propose the new compliance rule this fall and finalise it by spring 2026. 

By Jed Thomas

You can find an update on this story here.