New federal standards for PFAS levels in drinking water to be implemented in Nevada
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Sun, 04/14/2024 - 8:50am
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently announced new drinking water standards to protect communities from exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as ‘forever chemicals.’ This critical rule represents a significant step forward in protecting public health and the environment from the potential risks associated with PFAS contamination.
PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals that have been widely used in various industrial and consumer products for decades. Due to their persistence in the environment and potential adverse health effects, addressing PFAS contamination has emerged as a top priority for environmental regulators and public health officials nationwide.
The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) recognizes the importance of comprehensive PFAS regulation and is committed to working collaboratively with the EPA, water systems, local communities, and other stakeholders to address PFAS contamination in Nevada. Our agency remains dedicated to protecting the health and well-being of all Nevadans by ensuring access to clean and safe drinking water.
"EPA's action to regulate PFAS compounds in drinking water aligns with our ongoing efforts to address PFAS contamination in Nevada," said NDEP Administrator Jennifer Carr. "EPA’s final rule represents a significant advancement in safeguarding public health and the environment from the potential harms associated with PFAS exposure. While this rule is in the early stages of implementation, NDEP will continue to use existing federal grants for PFAS sampling and collaborate with stakeholders while continuing to work toward protecting and improving Nevada's water resources."
The EPA's PFAS rule announcement signifies a crucial milestone in the effort to regulate and mitigate PFAS pollution. Key aspects of the rule include:
Setting enforceable drinking water standards for PFAS in public water systems.
Requiring public water systems to notify consumers of PFAS contamination above certain levels and to take corrective actions to address any exceedances.
Dedicating funding to assist water systems with PFAS mitigation and treatment.
For more information about PFAS regulation and NDEP's efforts to address PFAS contamination in Nevada, please visit the NDEP website at ndep.nv.gov/water/drinking-water.
