In April 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the first-ever national, legally enforceable drinking water standards for per- and poly-fluoroalkyl (PFAS) substances. Also known as “forever chemicals,” studies have shown links between PFAS and liver damage, thyroid disease, immune system changes, developmental effects or delays in infants and children, higher rates of certain cancers and higher cholesterol levels.
Water districts must comply with these new federal guidelines to avoid legal penalties. Be sure to catch up on what you may have missed with our guide to the new federal PFAS regulations.
The Timeline for Testing and Treatment
All public water systems must complete initial testing for PFAS chemicals by 2027, followed by ongoing compliance monitoring. If testing finds PFAS levels that exceed the legal standards, the individual water districts must notify their customers and act to reduce the levels of PFAs in the drinking water by 2029.
Public Awareness Applies Pressure to Act Now
Interest in PFAS chemicals has skyrocketed as the public becomes more informed of their harmful, lasting health effects. Media coverage has been extensive, from local news stations across the country to major national publications such as USA Today, Bloomberg Law, Associated Press, Vox, NBC News, ABC News and others. The public has also been scouring the internet for information, with statistics showing thousands of Google searches about how to avoid PFAS each week. In short, residents are aware—and they’re demanding action.
New Grant Program Available for Small and Disadvantaged Communities
The EPA has recognized that communities need help addressing PFAS contamination in drinking water and has allocated $5 billion in grant programs for small or disadvantaged communities. This transformational funding has been provided to:
– Address PFAS and emerging contaminant challenges.
– Target resources to communities most in need of assistance to ensure that no community is left behind with unsafe, inadequate water.
– Advance equity and environmental justice by educating communities about funding opportunities and simplifying administrative procedures to reduce or eliminate barriers to access funds.
PFAS testing and treatment can be complex and take several months to complete. While it may sound like districts have ample time to comply with the new regulations, delaying action can risk access to grant funds and increase the likelihood of getting stuck in the backlog that waiting until the last minute can cause.
Be sure to visit the Emerging Contaminants in Small or Disadvantaged Communities page for more information about the grant program.
How RK Water Can Help
This may all sound overwhelming, but RK Water is here to support you through the entire process. We can:
– Perform initial PFAS sampling and testing.
– Identify and evaluate the PFAS compounds requiring treatment and identify the appropriate treatment method.
– Evaluate site-specific conditions, sustainability of the treatment method and cost-effectiveness of viable treatment options.
– Perform CAPEX vs. OPEX evaluation of competing treatment options.
– Design, procure and install temporary or long-term treatment system equipment.
– Operate and maintain treatment systems.
– Provide compliance testing and reporting.
– Handle media change-outs and disposal management.
Are you ready to take advantage of free government funds, get legally compliant and share that you’re at the forefront of public safety? Contact RK Water and save your spot today!