EPA Proposes Giving Water Systems More Time to Remove ‘Forever Chemicals’

The change would give some systems two more years to take out two forms of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.

Water from a tap fills a glass in San Anselmo, California, on July 6, 2023. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officials on May 18 floated letting water system administrators request and receive more time to remove so-called forever chemicals, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

Systems have a deadline of 2029 to take perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid from the water supply. The proposed rule would let systems opt into an extension of two years to comply with limits for the two PFAS types, if systems meet criteria the EPA lays out.