The Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed applauds the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) announcement of a proposed national standard to regulate six Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS) ― PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFBS, PFHxS, and GenX ― as part of its Strategic Roadmap of concrete actions to reduce harmful contaminates through 2024.
The science is clear—PFAS contamination is a growing problem in our waterways and, for far too long, has been impacting the health of watershed communities. PFAS are known as “forever chemicals” due to their ability to repel water and oil while being resistant to heat, making it nearly impossible for the chemicals to break down. These man-made substances are often used in consumer and industry products, including in nonstick pans, food packaging, and firefighting foam. Too often, these substances find their way into our waters, contaminating drinking water, and food for humans and animals. Studies have linked PFAS exposure to conditions such as thyroid disease, liver damage, high cholesterol levels, and many types of cancer.
At the Coalition, we firmly believe that everyone deserves access to clean water. This announcement marks the first proposed federal drinking water limits on toxic PFAS to the lowest level that tests can detect. A national standard will put important protections in place to improve drinking water quality and safeguard public health throughout the watershed. In addition, this huge step forward will particularly help those in front-line communities that are impacted disproportionately by these dangerous toxins.
While we are pleased of this progress, the Coalition calls upon states in the watershed to follow suit and regulate these toxic chemicals just as strongly, as it will take bold action by all levels of government to mitigate the presence of PFAS in our environment. We recognize there is still a long way to go in addressing these harmful contaminants and are encouraging decision makers to consider regulating PFAS as a class and limiting the manufacture of new PFAS to best protect public health.
On behalf of our 180 non-profit partners, we’d like to thank EPA and state agencies for their continued leadership in addressing the threat of forever chemicals. The Coalition looks forward to partnering on clean drinking water policies in the basin and furthering PFAS protections nation-wide.