Proposed PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation

Proposed PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation

On March 14, 2023, EPA announced the proposed National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) for six PFAS including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA, commonly known as GenX Chemicals), perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), and perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS). 

EPA requested public comment on the proposed regulation. The public comment period ended on May 30, 2023.  EPA's proposed rule received over 120,000 public comments. The final PFAS NPDWR considers these public comments.

Supporting Materials

Webinars

PFAS NPDWR Consultations and Stakeholder Engagements

As required under the Safe Drinking Water Act and other federal Statutes and executive orders, EPA engaged in multiple consultations and stakeholder engagement activities as a part of the development of the proposed and final NPDWR for PFAS. Key consultations and engagements included:

  • Webinar on Preparing Communities to Engage in EPA's Upcoming Proposed PFAS Drinking Water Regulatory Process: EPA held a public webinar on November 2, 2022, to provide information to communities about PFAS in drinking water, actions under the Safe Drinking Water Act to develop the proposed PFAS NDPWR, and how to participate in the rulemaking process and offer EPA input on the proposed rule once it is published. 
  • Science Advisory Board (SAB): EPA transmitted to the Science Advisory Board four draft documents with recent scientific data and new analyses that indicate that negative health effects may occur at much lower levels of exposure to PFOA and PFOS than previously understood. The draft documents presented EPA’s initial analysis and findings with respect to this new information.  EPA made these draft documents available to the public to ensure a transparent and robust evaluation of the available information.
  • Environmental Justice Considerations for the Development of the Proposed PFAS NPDWR: EPA held two identical virtual public meetings to share information and provide opportunities for communities to offer input on environmental justice considerations related to the development of the proposed PFAS NPDWR. The meetings were held on March 2, 2022, and April 5, 2022. 
  • Regulatory Flexibility Act/Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Act: EPA invited small entities, specifically public water systems serving 10,000 or fewer people, to participate as Small Entity Representatives (SERs) for a Small Business Advocacy Review (SBAR) Panel that focused on the Agency’s efforts to develop a proposed PFAS NPDWR. When taking action on PFAS, EPA intends to ensure that small entities, particularly those in disadvantaged communities, are fully engaged in solutions. For more information about the SBAR panel. 
  • Other Consultations and Engagements: EPA consulted with other stakeholders in 2022 and 2023, including the National Drinking Water Advisory Council, State and Local Government Officials, Tribal Officials, and others. 
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Last updated on April 10, 2024