EPA sets first-ever national PFAS drinking water standard protects 100 million Americans

The EPA finalizes the first-ever national legally enforceable drinking water standards for PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), toxic "forever chemicals" linked to cancers, liver damage, immune disorders, and developmental harms in children. The rule sets maximum contaminant levels for PFOA and PFOS at 4 parts per trillion, among the strictest in the world, and limits four additional PFAS compounds. The standards protect an estimated 100 million Americans who receive water from systems that currently exceed the limits. The Biden administration also announces $9 billion in dedicated PFAS cleanup funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The rule is the first Safe Drinking Water Act standard for any new contaminants since 1996.