In a surprising policy shift, the Trump administration has announced that it will uphold drinking water standards for PFOA and PFOS but is deferring compliance deadlines for water utilities to address several other PFAS chemicals, raising concerns over public health and environmental safety.
Trump Administration Modifies PFAS Water Standards, Delays Compliance Deadlines
Trump Administration Modifies PFAS Water Standards, Delays Compliance Deadlines
The EPA announces a rollback on some PFAS regulations, maintaining limits on two chemicals while postponing enforcement for several others.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) disclosed a significant change in policy on May 14, 2025, with implications for water safety across the United States. Under the new guidelines, the agency confirmed it would maintain stringent drinking water standards for PFOA and PFOS, the two most prevalent PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) commonly found in millions of American households. However, the administration is delaying the compliance deadlines and easing regulations for an additional four PFAS chemicals.
PFAS, oftentimes termed "forever chemicals" due to their persistence in the environment and human body, are widely used in consumer products such as non-stick cookware, water-repellent apparel, and stain-resistant textiles, as well as in firefighting foams. The health risks associated with these substances are alarming; studies link PFAS exposure to numerous health issues, including metabolic disorders, fertility issues, developmental delays in children, and increased risks of various cancers.
The Biden administration had previously imposed stringent requirements on water utilities by mandating a reduction of PFAS levels towards near-zero, specifically targeting a strict limit of four parts per trillion for PFOA and PFOS. The Trump administration's latest announcement marks a departure from this initiative, deferring the deadline for compliance to 2031 and revoking limits on the other four PFAS compounds.
“While we reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding the American public from the dangers posed by PFOA and PFOS in drinking water, we recognize the need for practical compliance timelines," remarked EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. He added that the agency intends to continue leveraging its regulatory powers to keep polluters accountable amid these changes.
