On 3/14/2023, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced new proposed Maximum Contaminant Level(s) (MCL) for six per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Specifically, EPA proposed to regulate perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA, commonly known as GenX Chemicals), perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), and perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS).
We are reviewing the proposed MCLs to evaluate the impact on our operations and on the communities we serve. Our focus will remain, as always, on supplying our customers with safe and reliable water.
We regularly test drinking water to make sure our water remains in adherence with SDWA (Safe Drinking Water Act) standards, and continue to proactively test our water systems for PFOA, PFOS, PFBS, and GenX Chemicals and report the results of those tests to our customers. The most recent testing results are available on our website under the Water Quality Reports section.
The following FAQs provide more information about PFAS and the EPA announcement. For more information, visit the EPA website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are PFOA and PFOS?
Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) chemicals addressed by EPA, are chemicals historically and commonly used in the manufacturing of various products (e.g., fire retardants, waterproof clothing, non-stick cookware, etc.) across many industries. PFAS can enter the environment from multiple sources, and because they tend to break down very slowly, PFAS can end up in ground and surface waters that have found their way into the environment. PFAS are also commonly known by the slang term “forever chemicals”.
What are MCLs?
MCLs, Maximum Contaminant Levels, are enforceable standards that set the maximum concentration of a contaminant(s) allowable in drinking water. In this case, PFOA and PFOS would be regulated as individual contaminants, and PFHxS, PFNA, PFBS, and HFPO-DA as a PFAS mixture.
What laws oversee MCLs?
The US Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) was enacted by Congress to protect the quality of drinking water. State Agencies enforce the MCLs for local drinking water supplies.
How can you and/or customers provide feedback about proposed MCLs?
The proposed rule is expected to be open for public comment until late spring and may be revised after the comment period. We will be working with the EPA throughout this process.
More information will be shared once it is available.