The EPA just set new federal limits on PFAS in April 2024. This new rule, the first National Primary Drinking Water Regulation for PFAS, says PFOA and PFOS can’t be higher than 4 ppt. That’s a really strict standard, the toughest ever under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Many states already had tough rules in place. Luckily, advanced water treatment like reverse osmosis works great for these water quality issues. AMPAC USA’s commercial and industrial systems are built to handle these specific water treatment needs, and we have the certified, documented performance to prove it.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, are synthetic chemicals we’ve been making for over 70 years. They’re a big worry because they’re everywhere, they don’t break down, they build up in our bodies, and we’re seeing health problems from even small exposures. Back in 2016, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) put out non-binding drinking water Health Advisories for PFOA and PFOS, setting them at 70 ng/L for individual and total concentrations. These are 8-carbon perfluoroalkyl acids, and they’re the most studied PFAS. By May 2020, nine U.S. states decided the USEPA’s advisories weren’t protective enough, so they created their own, stricter PFOA and PFOS guidelines. Plus, ten states developed guidelines for other PFAS, mostly PFAAs. This Critical Review looks at the science behind state and USEPA drinking water guidelines for PFOA and PFOS, and the same ideas apply to other PFAS guidelines. The guidelines differ based on toxicity and exposure. The state guidelines for PFOA (8-35 ng/L) and PFOS (10-40 ng/L) vary by about four times, which isn’t a huge or surprising difference when you consider different scientists developed them at different times. This is especially true when you compare them to older USEPA and state guidelines, which were generally much, much higher. Expect more state guidelines for PFOA, PFOS, and other PFAS to come out soon. What are the new federal drinking water standards for PFAS?
The April 2024 EPA finalization established the first National Primary Drinking Water Regulation for PFAS, setting Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) of 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA and PFOS. These are the most stringent drinking water standards ever established under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Advanced water treatment technologies, particularly reverse osmosis, provide effective solutions for removing PFAS from water. AMPAC USA’s commercial and industrial systems are specifically engineered with certified, documented performance to address these challenging water treatment needs. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals with widespread environmental presence and extreme persistence. They are a concern due to their bioaccumulative nature and evidence of adverse health effects from environmentally relevant exposures. Prior to the April 2024 EPA finalization, many US states had already enacted stricter guidelines than the 2016 EPA Health Advisories of 70 ng/L for PFOA and PFOS. For example, as of May 2020, state guidelines for PFOA ranged from 8-35 ng/L and PFOS from 10-40 ng/L, demonstrating a trend towards more stringent regulation. EPA Health Advisories, like the 2016 70 ng/L advisory for PFOA and PFOS, are non-regulatory guidelines providing health information. In contrast, Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs), such as the new 4 ppt for PFOA and PFOS, are legally enforceable standards under the Safe Drinking Water Act that public water systems must meet. AMPAC USA engineers custom water purification systems for commercial, industrial, and emergency applications — from 500 GPD to multi-million GPD. Trusted by municipalities, military, and industry worldwide.How can PFAS be effectively removed from water?
Why are PFAS a concern in drinking water?
How do the new federal PFAS MCLs compare to previous state guidelines?
What is the difference between EPA Health Advisories and MCLs for PFAS?
