US EPA proposes federal exemption framework to extend PFOA/PFOS MCL compliance date from April 26, 2029 to April 26, 2031

EPA issued a proposed rule to create a federal exemption framework under the 2024 PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) allowing eligible public water systems to request an extension of the PFOA and PFOS MCL compliance date from April 26, 2029 to April 26, 2031, without changing the MCL values (4.0 ppt each for PFOA and PFOS). EPA also scheduled a virtual public hearing for July 7, 2026 with pre‑registration deadline July 1, 2026, and indicated a 60‑day comment period after Federal Register publication. Drinking water systems and compliance teams should assess eligibility criteria, plan for exemption requests (if finalized), and understand interim control-measure expectations described by EPA during the exemption period.