EPA announces intent to extend PFOA/PFOS drinking water compliance timeline to 2031 while retaining MCLs; plans to reconsider other PFAS components

EPA announced it will keep the PFAS NPDWR maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for PFOA and PFOS, but intends to pursue a rulemaking to provide additional time for water systems by extending the compliance deadline to 2031 (EPA also referenced establishing a federal exemption framework). EPA further stated it intends to rescind and reconsider the regulatory determinations for PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA (GenX), and the Hazard Index mixture approach (including PFBS) to ensure Safe Drinking Water Act process considerations are addressed. Drinking water compliance programs should monitor the forthcoming rulemaking and reassess implementation schedules, budgeting, and treatment/monitoring plans if timelines and scope are revised.