On Tuesday, March 14, 2023, EPA released the proposed
National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR)
for PFOA and PFOS, along with four additional PFAS. EPA is proposing to
set a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for
PFOA and 4 ppt for PFOS. In addition to these two MCLs, EPA is
proposing to address four additional PFAS (GenX, PFBS, PFNA, and PFHxS)
as a mixture using a Hazard Index. The Hazard Index is a tool typically
used to evaluate potential health risks from exposure to chemical
mixtures. This approach has been used in other EPA programs, such as the
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act
(CERCLA), but this is the first time it has been used for a drinking
water standard. Additionally, EPA is proposing Maximum Contaminant Level
Goals (MCLGs) for each of the six PFAS. A breakdown of the MCLs and
MCLGs is shown on the table below.
For
the Hazard Index, the rule proposes a ratio for each of the four PFAS
to be used to calculate a compliance value based on detected levels of
the four PFAS. If the combination of those four ratios is at or above
1.0, then water systems will be expected to reduce the levels of these
PFAS. Depending on the level of contamination found, water systems may
need to take action even if only one of the four PFAS is present. EPA
will be creating a webpage with a calculator tool for water systems to
determine their Hazard Index.
The proposal has not yet been published in the
Federal Register.
The public will be given 60 days to provide comments after final
publication, expected in the coming weeks. EPA will be holding a
webinar about the proposed PFAS NDPWR on March 29, 2023. Registration is
required to attend. The webinar recording and presentation materials
will be made available after the webinar.
EPA
will also be holding a public hearing on May 4, 2023, where members of
the public can provide verbal comments to EPA on the rule proposal.
Registration is required to attend and the last day to register to speak
at the hearing is April 28, 2023.
EPA
has provided facts sheets for the public and FAQs specifically for
primacy agencies to help with the rollout of this proposal. See the
links below:
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