Biden-Harris Administration Finalizes First-Ever National Drinking Water Standard to Protect 100M People from PFAS Pollution

U.S. EPA — 4-10-2024

In April 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency finalized the first national, legally enforceable drinking-water standards for several PFAS compounds. The rule established limits for PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFHxS, and GenX chemicals, along with a mixture-based limit for several additional PFAS. EPA said the standards were intended to reduce long-term exposure through drinking water and announced federal funding to help communities test for PFAS and install treatment where needed.

Why This Matters

PFAS regulation directly affects how public water systems monitor contaminants, plan treatment upgrades, and budget for compliance. The 2024 rule marked a major shift from advisory guidance toward enforceable federal drinking-water limits.