Last week EPA released its proposal for the first set of Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) under the Clean Water Act for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). In contrast to non-enforceable health advisory levels introduced in 2016 and revised in 2022, MCLs constitute enforceable drinking water standards that will impact drinking water utilities and industry nationwide.
Health Advisory
EPA Establishes New Health Advisories for PFAS
Earlier this month, EPA set new lifetime health advisories for four per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) – in some instances at levels lower than those that can be detected through laboratory testing. The new health advisories are listed below:
| PFAS | Health Advisory (in parts per trillion) |
| PFOA (perflurooctanoic acid) | 0.004 ppt |
| PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonic acid) |