EPA finds forever chemicals in about 8% of tested systems

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EPA forever chemicals overview: 

• Who: The United States Environmental Protection Agency released its first set of data on the first 7% of drinking water tests for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) forever chemicals. 
• Why: The nationwide testing for 29 PFAS chemicals and lithium will provide the EPA with more context on how widespread ‘forever chemical’ drinking water contamination is as the testing is expected to be completed by 2026.
• Where: The EPA released the data from its Washington, D.C., office.

New data from the United States Environmental Protection Agency shows that more than 22% of initial drinking water samples taken tested for higher than health screening levels of lithium content, while 7.8% had perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and 8.5% had perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS).

The EPA drinking water testing for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) “forever chemicals” is being undertaken nationwide to give the EPA more context on how widespread drinking water contamination is across the country.

Just 7% of the EPA forever chemicals tests were completed in the first release of data, which is expected to be fully complete by 2026.

“PFAS are an urgent public health issue facing people and communities across the nation. The latest science is clear: exposure to certain PFAS, also known as forever chemicals, over long periods of time is linked to significant health risks,” said Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox. “That’s why the Biden-Harris Administration is leading a whole-of-government approach to address these harmful chemicals. As part of this commitment, EPA is conducting the most comprehensive monitoring effort for PFAS ever, at every large and midsize public water system in America, and at hundreds small water systems.”

EPA drinking water data will be used for future policy, future research decisions

The EPA drinking water data on PFAS and lithium will then be used by the EPA to determine future regulations and other actions to protect public health under the Safe Drinking Water Act. 

The EPA forever chemicals tests will also be used as federal, state, and other researchers prioritize studies on the health impact of the chemicals along with figuring out what additional data is needed and what future studies should occur.

Earlier this year, the EPA proposed a new rule to limit “forever chemicals” in drinking water that includes a maximum contaminant levels of four parts per trillion of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) in drinking water systems throughout the country.

Has your community’s or home’s drinking water tested positive for PFAS forever chemicals? Let us know in the comments.

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