The EPA Releases Draft Maximum Contaminant Levels for PFAS Compounds in Drinking Water

Yesterday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released draft standards for six PFAS compounds in public drinking water. The proposed standards include an enforceable Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA and PFOS with a goal of 0 ppt. Additionally, the EPA has proposed a hazard index of 1.0 for mixtures and four additional PFAS compounds GenX, PFBS, PFNA, and PFHxS. A hazard index accounts for potential risks from exposure to a mix of contaminants. These proposed rules acknowledge the importance of limiting exposure to PFAS and the role that drinking contaminated water plays in impacting health risks. Wisconsin DNR and the Department of Health Services recognize the need to assess risks to human health from mixtures of PFAS and appreciate the steps the EPA has taken. Both agencies will review the proposed standards and accompanying documents and monitor the federal rulemaking process as the EPA works toward a final rule. Wisconsin’s DHS currently provides health advice for individual PFAS compounds and uses a hazard index to assess risk from mixtures of PFAS in drinking water. The state’s enforceable standard of 70 parts per trillion for PFOA and PFOS in public drinking water has not changed since going into effect in August 2022.