EPA Sets National Standard to Combat PFAS Pollution in Drinking Water
The Biden administration has allocated an extra $1 billion to aid in PFAS detection and treatment.
- By Robert Yaniz Jr.
- Apr 17, 2024
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has introduced the first-ever national legally enforceable drinking water standard for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
According to a recent release, the move—part of President Biden’s initiative to address PFAS pollution and ensure clean water for all Americans—aims to protect millions from PFAS exposure and prevent serious illnesses. The new standard applies to five individual PFAS including PFOA and PFOS as well as any combination of four PFAS including GenX Chemicals.
The standard sets health safeguards for public water systems to monitor and reduce PFAS levels in drinking water nationwide. Additionally, the Biden-Harris Administration has allocated an extra $1 billion through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to aid states and territories in implementing PFAS detection and treatment systems.
The funding—part of the $9 billion dedicated to tackling PFAS pollution under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law—supports disadvantaged communities disproportionately affected by PFAS contamination. These actions follow years of devastation caused by PFAS pollution, which contaminates drinking water and has contributed to higher rates of cancer, including in children.
Other federal actions under President Biden’s leadership include efforts to protect firefighters from PFAS exposure, reduce PFAS in fire suppressants, provide resources for healthcare providers dealing with PFAS-related health concerns and phase out PFAS in food packaging. The EPA continues to address PFAS contamination through testing and implementing cleanup.
About the Author
Robert Yaniz Jr. is the Content Editor for Environmental Protection.