WASHINGTON, DC (Michigan News Source) – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken what they call a “significant step” in safeguarding public health by announcing new drinking water standards aimed at curbing exposure to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
The EPA calls the measure the “first-ever national, legally enforceable drinking water standard to protect communities from exposure” to the harmful chemicals.
What are PFAS?
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PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” are minuscule compounds notorious for their ability to persist in the environment and human bodies for thousands of years. These substances can infiltrate water sources through dishwashing and migrate into food via grease-resistant packaging or the breakdown of non-stick coatings on cookware.
Additionally, PFAS are prevalent in pesticides utilized in agriculture, leading to chemical-laden runoff that may contaminate drinking water supplies. It’s crucial to note that there is no threshold for safe exposure to these chemicals.
How long have PFAS been around?
PFAS have been utilized since the 1940s for their waterproofing and stain-resistant properties in a range of products, including clothing, cosmetics, and firefighting foam. Despite their long-standing presence, their robust molecular structure means they persist in the environment, accumulating in water sources, food, and air over time.
EPA Administrator Michael Regan has emphasized the importance of addressing these chemicals, acknowledging their widespread use in various industries while highlighting their potential harm to both human health and the environment.
New rules with save thousands of people and limit exposure to millions.
The EPA says in their press release about the new standards, “The final rule will reduce PFAS exposure for approximately 100 million people, prevent thousands of deaths, and reduce tens of thousands of serious illnesses.”
Numerous studies have linked prolonged exposure to certain PFAS compounds with severe health implications such as cancer, liver damage, and elevated cholesterol levels. Additionally, there is evidence suggesting adverse effects on immune and developmental systems, particularly concerning infants and children.
Now, for the first time, the EPA has established enforceable limits on PFAS levels in drinking water, signaling a critical shift towards federal regulation in this domain. The newly finalized rule targets six specific PFAS chemicals, mandating water systems to monitor and mitigate their presence if detected above permissible thresholds.
Michigan has their own PFAS drinking water standards in place.
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While some states like Michigan have previously implemented their own regulations, this federal initiative sets a unified standard nationwide – and they’re even tougher than Michigan’s acceptable PFAS levels.
Sampling of public water supplies in Michigan started in 2018 and wrapped up in 2020, coinciding with the state’s establishment of PFAS drinking water standards. Since then, Michigan utilities have consistently conducted sampling for these compounds, says Scott Dean, spokesperson for the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). He adds that the Michigan PFAS Action Response teams will be integrating the new federal standards.
Dean also told the Detroit News that well water is not regulated by the new rules but “similar guidance is needed” for residents with private water supplies.
Five-year timeline given to address PFAS issues.
Senior government officials have informed reporters that public water systems will be given a five- year timeframe to tackle their PFAS issues. Within this period, they’ll have three years to conduct sampling of their systems and determine the current levels of PFAS. Following this, they’ll have an additional two years to implement water treatment technologies if their PFAS levels exceed acceptable limits.
It is anticipated that approximately 6-10% of the 66,000 public drinking water systems across the country, affecting around 100 million individuals, may surpass acceptable PFAS levels.
How does your city rate?
On a map from the Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit group Environmental Working Group, PFAs levels can be brought up by inputting an address. In Michigan, some of the communities that are documented to be “above” the proposed limit include water systems in the village of Ashley, Ann Arbor, Monroe, Kalamazoo, Plainfield Twp. and Frenchtown Township.
New rules will cost billions.
Addressing PFAS contamination entails substantial financial investment, with an estimated annual cost of $1.5 billion for water companies to achieve compliance. However, the EPA asserts that the long-term benefits, including reduced incidences of cancer and other health ailments, outweigh the associated expenses.
To support implementation efforts, the EPA has allocated $1 billion in grants, supplemented by funds from a class action lawsuit against PFAS manufacturers.
Michigan AG pledges her commitment to uphold PFAS protections.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has been a vocal advocate for stringent PFAS regulations, affirming her commitment to upholding existing standards and holding manufacturers accountable for environmental contamination. Nessel said in a statement on Wednesday, “The day I took office as Attorney General, I made the PFAS problem a top priority. I will use the full authority of my office to uphold these important protections, and my department will continue to pursue the manufacturers of these toxic chemicals to force their contributions toward the cleanup of their chemicals that ended up in our environment.”
She went on to say, “Michigan is a leader in the fight to protect our residents and our environment from PFAS contamination, and Michigan has had its own state-level drinking water standards in place for PFAS since 2020. As a result of Michigan’s proactive efforts to protect drinking water supplies, all of Michigan’s public water suppliers have been sampling for PFAS for years and maintaining compliance with state PFAS standards.”
Fighting against 3M.
The Department of Attorney General is currently defending Michigan’s PFAS drinking water standards in court against a legal challenge brought by 3M, a major PFAS manufacturer, against the rules establishing these standards. In the case filed by 3M seeking to invalidate Michigan’s PFAS drinking water rules, Michigan courts rejected all of 3M’s attacks on the substance of the rules, leaving only a procedural issue to be decided. The courts also directly acknowledged the importance of protecting public health and ruled that the Michigan rules stay in effect while the procedural issue is decided.
Nessel said about the case, “My office has tirelessly defended the sound, science-based limits on PFAS developed by the State to protect our drinking water supplies. EPA’s new standards support what we have been saying all along – the PFAS limits in drinking water are important and defensible – and 3M’s self-serving challenge to our rules is meritless.”
About the five-year timeline, Nessel said, “The EPA provided five years for public water supplies to undertake sampling and reach compliance with the new standards. In that time frame, Michigan will work with public water supplies to develop and implement changes needed to meet or exceed federal requirements.”
