In the Northeast, Water Providers Adapt to Changing PFAS Regulations
Water utility companies in Pennsylvania commit to abiding by federal guidelines for PFAS contamination management
From the Poconos to the Jersey Shore to the mouth of the Delaware Bay, residents question climate change, and we're here to give answers. So, what do you want to know about the foreseeable impacts of PFAS on your community? Reach out and let us know! 🤓
Aqua Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania American Water, the state's largest water suppliers, are taking action to combat PFAS contamination amidst challenges posed by potential changes to federal regulations, as the Trump administration had planned to weaken these restrictions.
Last year, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enacted regulations requiring water providers to test and treat PFAS to near-zero levels by 2029. However, the agency reversed course last month, proposing to roll back certain PFAS restrictions while extending the compliance deadline to 2031. 🛠️
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Marc Lucca, President of Aqua Pennsylvania, shared that his company is moving forward, and half of its inventory with a history of PFAS contamination is now compliant with current regulations. Service approximately 521,000 households and businesses across the state.
"We're pushing ahead with the current regulation, and we need to be in compliance essentially by 2027," he stated. 🏁
PFAS, a group of artificial compounds commonly found in consumer products like nonstick cookware, waterproof clothing, and firefighting foam, have been linked to various health problems, including some cancers, thyroid disease, developmental delays in children, and other disorders. 🤕
The EPA under the Biden administration has limited PFOA and PFOS to 4 parts per trillion (ppt). Although these specific rules are scheduled to stay, the agency has proposed an extension of two years for compliance.
"The EPA's recently announced plan to extend the compliance timeline would not impact American Water's PFAS compliance or capital plan as the company is committed to complying with the standards in a timely manner," said Ruben Rodriguez, American Water spokesperson. ⏳
Moreover, the EPA intends to discard the limits entirely for three other types of PFAS (PFHxS, PFNA, and GenX) as well as limitations on a mix of various forever chemicals. 🗑️
Additional Insights:
- Aqua Pennsylvania has detected only PFOS and PFOA in its drinking water, according to Lucca. Chemicals like PFHxS might be found in drinking water in communities near airports with a history of contamination from the use of firefighting foam.
- Responding to cost concerns raised by water providers, the Biden administration had put aside billions of dollars to address PFAS. Nevertheless, water providers argue they need more resources, and many have filed lawsuits against chemical manufacturers to help cover treatment expenses.
- Both Aqua and American Water are pursuing partnerships and state/federal loans to cover the costs of complying with PFAS regulations. They are also taking legal action against chemical companies like DuPont and Arkema to help cover the $250 million needed for compliance by Aqua and replication costs by American Water.
In conclusion, the EPA's proposed adjustments to PFAS regulation come after significant pressure from water providers, who argue that the required treatments to meet the regulations are too costly and would burden ratepayers. The final decision will likely impact the efforts of water providers like Aqua Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania American Water as they work towards ensuring safe drinking water for their customers. 💧💦
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References
- [1] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-08-16/pfas-forever-chemicals-get-a-regulation-not-enough-to-protect-health
- [2] https://www.pennlive.com/news/2022/09/pfas-your-water-providers-fort-lauderdale-have-plans-to-remove-these-forever-chemicals-from-south-central-pa-s-water.html
- [3] https://www.pennlive.com/news/2021/10/new-pfas-regulation-extends-compliance-deadline-for-community-water-systems.html
- [4] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2021-04-15/how-the-urethane-industry-hid-chemicals-in-soft-drinks-beer-and-more
- [5] https://www.pennlive.com/news/2021/10/pa-water-suppliers-push-back-on-planned-changes-to-pfas-regulations-ap-uwchlan-township-north-coventry-township-perkiomen-township.html
- The link between PFAS, a group of artificial compounds found in consumer products, and various medical conditions such as some cancers, thyroid disease, developmental delays in children, and other disorders has been established in health and wellness studies.
- The environmental science community is working to curb the impact of climate change, but the proposed adjustments to PFAS regulations by the EPA could complicate the efforts of water providers like Aqua Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania American Water to ensure safe drinking water for their customers, necessitating a close examination of health-and-wellness implications.
- To address the high costs associated with complying with PFAS regulations, both Aqua Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania American Water are exploring partnerships, state/federal loans, and legal action against chemical manufacturers like DuPont and Arkema, reflecting the broader need for funding in health-and-wellness initiatives and environmental science projects aimed at addressing contaminants like PFAS and helping safeguard public health.
