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EPA Proposes PFAS Limits for Drinking Water

This past Tuesday, March 14, 2023, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) released proposed regulations for new Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) limits for PFAS in drinking water.

These proposed regulations represent a significant step forward in protecting public health from the dangers of PFAS, which have been linked to a range of health issues, including cancer, immune system problems, developmental issues in infants and children, and more.

The proposed regulations set new Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for six PFAS compounds known to occur in drinking water: PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFHxS, PFBS, and GenX Chemicals. PFOA and PFOS as individual contaminants, and PFHxS, PFNA, PFBS, and HFPO-DA (commonly referred to as GenX Chemicals) as a PFAS mixture. EPA is also proposing health-based, non-enforceable Maximum Contaminant Level Goals (MCLGs) for these six PFAS.

The rule will establish monitoring requirements, public notification requirements, and reduction requirements in drinking water if they exceed proposed standards.

USEPA also shared that they are requesting public comment on the proposed regulation. The public comment period will open following the proposed rule publishing in the Federal Register. Public comments can be provided at that time at www.regulations.gov under Docket ID: EPA-HQ-OW-2022-0114. Information on submitting comments to EPA dockets can be found here.

Until the PFAS NPDWR is officially finalized, no actions will be necessary. The EPA expects to finalize the regulation by the end of 2023 and estimates that if fully enforced, it will prevent numerous fatalities and decrease tens of thousands of severe illnesses linked to PFAS.

We are unsure, as of this time, how these regulations will complement the state-specific regulations that are proposed or in existence.

While these proposed regulations are a positive development for public health and safety, they will require new testing to ensure compliance with the new MCL limits. As a leading environmental testing laboratory, Suburban Testing Labs is prepared to help our clients navigate these new regulations and ensure their drinking water is safe for consumption.

Our team of experts has extensive experience testing for PFAS contamination in drinking water, and we are equipped with the latest technology and equipment to provide accurate and reliable results. We can assist with all aspects of PFAS testing, from sample collection to analysis and reporting.

If you have concerns about the presence of PFAS in your drinking water, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team is available to answer any questions you may have and provide guidance on how to ensure your drinking water is safe for consumption.  With our expertise and dedication to quality, Suburban Testing Labs is committed to helping our clients meet these new regulations and protect public health from the dangers of PFAS contamination.

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Watch our LATEST VIDEO to learn more about PFAS testing in our laboratory here.

Testing for PFAS

credit: Agilent

PFAS analysis requires the analysis to be performed by a solid-phase extraction (SPE) on the sample, followed by analysis using Liquid Chromatography with tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS-MS).

Analysis occurs at our headquarters without needing to ship samples to an out-of-state facility. Knowing your samples are handled at our lab without the possibility of shipping delays gives our clients peace of mind.

Accredited laboratories performing PFAS analysis in the mid-Atlantic USA are extremely rare.  Contact us today for information on how we can help you.