The Environmental Protection Agency has announced it will delay the timeline for water utilities to comply with reducing certain PFAS in drinking water. While the Biden administration's April 2024 regulations set enforceable limits for six PFAS chemicals with a 2029 compliance deadline, the EPA is now proposing to extend this to 2031 for PFOA and PFOS.
The agency also plans to initiate enhanced outreach to water systems, especially in rural and small communities, through EPA’s new PFAS OUTreach Initiative. It also announced its intent to rescind the regulations and reconsider the regulatory determinations for PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA and PFBS.
The American Water Works Association released a statement about the EPA's announcement. "While today's announcement does not appear to substantially reduce the costs of the PFAS rule, it does acknowledge the very substantial challenges communities face in finding alternative sources of water or installing treatment," reads the statement. "We welcome EPA's recognition that compliance will require additional time and flexibility, particularly for small systems and those facing affordability challenges. Allowing communities time to make fiscally sound decisions based on thoughtful evaluation of compliance alternatives is simply good policy."
National Rural Water Association CEO Matthew Holmes also agreed with the EPA's decision. “This commonsense decision provides the additional time that water system managers need to identify affordable treatment technologies and make sure they are on a sustainable path to compliance. NRWA greatly appreciates this reasonable and flexible approach, and we look forward to partnering with the agency’s PFAS OUTreach Initiative to help ensure water systems have the resources and support they need.”
Florida Bans Fluoride in Public Water Systems
In other news, Florida has officially become the second state to ban fluoride in public water systems, following the signing of Senate Bill 700 by Gov. Ron DeSantis. The bill, effective July 1, prohibits the use of "certain additives" in water systems, a provision that encompasses fluoride.
DeSantis justified the ban by arguing that there are other ways residents can get access to fluoride, and that its use shouldn't be mandated by the government.
EPA to Fast-Track South Bay WWTP Repairs
Federal agencies are accelerating repairs and an expansion of the South Bay Wastewater Treatment Plant in San Diego, aiming to complete the project in just 100 days, a significant reduction from the original two-year timeline. This expedited effort follows a recent visit by EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, who personally observed the impact of the ongoing cross-border sewage crisis.
The fast-tracked repairs and expansion will increase the plant's capacity to treat cross-border wastewater from 25 to 35 mgd with further increases anticipated.
