EPA proposes federal exemption framework to extend PFOA/PFOS MCL compliance deadline from April 26, 2029 to April 26, 2031; hearing July 7, 2026

EPA published a proposed rule to retain the PFOA and PFOS maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) while creating a federal exemption framework that would allow eligible water systems up to two additional years to comply—moving the stated compliance deadline from April 26, 2029 to April 26, 2031. EPA indicates there will be a 60-day written comment period after Federal Register publication and a virtual hearing on July 7, 2026 (pre-registration by July 1, 2026). Drinking water systems and compliance stakeholders should assess eligibility, implementation planning, and contractual/technology timelines if an extension mechanism is finalized.