EPA Gives Water Systems Extra Time on PFAS Limits
Published Date: 5/20/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The EPA is giving water systems more time to meet safety rules for two harmful chemicals, PFOA and PFOS, by extending the deadline from April 2029 to April 2031 if they ask for it. This helps water providers get ready without rushing, keeping our drinking water safe. The EPA wants your thoughts and will hold a public hearing in July 2026 to hear from everyone.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Two‑Year Extension for PFOA/PFOS Compliance
The EPA proposes to let public water systems that apply get a federal two‑year extension of the PFOA and PFOS compliance deadline from April 26, 2029, to April 26, 2031. This is a national “exemption‑by‑rule” option for systems in states, territories, or Tribes that have not obtained primacy for the PFOA/PFOS rule, but systems must submit system‑specific information to request the exemption.
Health Threshold and Interim Controls During Exemption
The EPA proposes to treat a two‑year exemption as not causing an ‘unreasonable risk to health’ for systems with PFOA and PFOS concentrations below 12 parts per trillion (ppt). For systems with sampling results at or above 12 ppt that seek an exemption, the EPA proposes requiring interim control measures during the two‑year period, such as point‑of‑use or point‑of‑entry devices, alternative water sources, water pitchers, source water controls, public education, and community outreach.
Who Can Get the Federal Exemption
To be eligible for the proposed two‑year federal exemption to April 26, 2031, a system must be a public water system located in a state, territory, or Tribe without primacy for 40 CFR part 141 subpart Z, have been in operation on or before June 25, 2024, not hold a variance from the PFOA/PFOS MCLs, and submit the system‑specific information and a statement that it cannot comply due to compelling factors.
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Key Dates
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