Statement from AWWA and AMWA on EPA’S PFAS Drinking Water Standard announcement

American Water Works Association (AWWA) CEO David LaFrance and Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA) CEO Tom Dobbins released the following statement today regarding EPA’s announcement that it would revisit the National Primary Drinking Water Regulation for six per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS):

“AWWA and AMWA share EPA’s goal of protecting people from potentially harmful levels of PFAS in drinking water.  We appreciate EPA’s careful review of the PFAS Rule and commend the agency’s intention to make improvements to the previous rulemaking process.

“Scientific process matters, especially when it will set precedent for how EPA develops future drinking water regulations. We strongly support the agency’s decision to rescind the regulations that used the novel hazard index approach and ensure future rulemakings respect the Safe Drinking Water Act process.

“The SDWA process allows EPA to construct rules that maximize public health benefits in a cost-effective manner. This is critical for water systems and their communities, because the process helps ensure every ratepayer dollar is directed toward the most pressing public health risks.

“While today’s announcement does not appear to substantially reduce the costs of the PFAS rule, it does acknowledge the very substantial challenges communities face in finding alternative sources of water or installing treatment. We welcome EPA’s recognition that compliance will require additional time and flexibility, particularly for small systems and those facing affordability challenges. Allowing communities time to make fiscally sound decisions based on thoughtful evaluation of compliance alternatives is simply good policy.

“We will continue to provide data to EPA as the new rulemaking moves forward while helping the nation’s water systems comply with the PFAS rule as it evolves.”

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About AWWA
Established in 1881, the American Water Works Association is the largest nonprofit, scientific and educational association dedicated to managing and treating water, the world’s most vital resource. With approximately 50,000 members, AWWA provides solutions to improve public health, protect the environment, strengthen the economy and enhance our quality of life.

About AMWA
The Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA) has been the unified and definitive voice for the nation’s largest publicly owned water systems for over 40 years. AMWA’s membership serves more than 160 million people with safe drinking water.