On May 23, 2019 the EPA released a pre-publication notice of proposed rulemaking that seeks public input on a range of options regarding the regulation of perchlorate in public drinking water systems. The agency is seeking comment on a proposed National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) for perchlorate to establish a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) and a health-based Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) at 56 micrograms per liter. 

In addition, the agency is seeking comment on three alternative regulatory options:

• An MCL and MCLG for perchlorate set at 18 micrograms per liter.
• An MCL and MCLG for perchlorate set at 90 micrograms per liter.
• Withdrawal of the agency’s 2011 determination to regulate perchlorate in drinking water.

Some states have already established MCLs:

• Massachusetts: 2 ppb (2 micrograms per liter)
• California: 6 ppb (6 micrograms per liter)

To read more about the EPA's proposal and how to submit comments, click here.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has created an interactive map of PFAS contaminations that have been detected around the US. Click on the map below to access the ERG site for more information about where PFAS contaminations have been detected.

“These grants will help fulfill a key goal in EPA’s PFAS Action Plan: strengthening science and research in order to better understand the characteristics and impacts of PFAS,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “This funding will also help researchers develop new strategies to further protect our communities and environment from harmful PFAS exposure.”

To read the full article, click here.