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On May 14, 2025, the EPA announced it will keep the current National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (NPDWRs) for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), which set nationwide limits for these “forever chemicals” in drinking water. “The Agency is committed to addressing Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water while following the […]
The Environmental Protection Agency recently detailed its plans to deal with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS, aka “forever chemicals”) that are contaminating drinking water systems. While some experts question whether enough is being done, the issue has inspired the Song of the Week: “Water and a Seat,” a 2003 song from indie rock veteran Stephen […]
On April 28, 2025, the EPA announced upcoming agency actions to address per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). While the list of actions is lengthy, experts say it lacks substantive measures. In line with EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin’s Powering the Great American Comeback initiative, the Agency’s “work in this space will advance Pillar 1: Clean Air, […]
The EPA recently requested additional time from the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals to prepare its response in a case challenging its final per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) Maximum Containment Levels (MCLs). Petitioners and other respondents aren’t opposed to the request for additional time. The case, American Water Works Association and Association of Metropolitan Water […]
On December 19, 2024, the EPA released “Water Affordability Needs Assessment,” a report to Congress detailing water affordability across the nation. It summarizes decades of research by utilities, academics, and associations and includes recommendations in three areas: The issue The EPA “estimates that between 12.1 million and 19.2 million households throughout the U.S. lack access […]
On September 4, 2024, the EPA announced it issued draft Class VI permits to Oxy Low Carbon Ventures LLC for three proposed wells to be dug for the geologic sequestration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in Ector County, Texas. These are the first draft permits the EPA has issued in Texas for Class VI wells under […]
Officials from the EPA, the City of Detroit, and the Detroit Water & Sewage Department (DWSD) gathered on August 9 to celebrate the city’s progress in removing lead from its drinking water. “Since 2022, Detroit has received $90 million in federal funding to help replace lead pipes, including $85 million distributed by the Michigan Department […]
Water is an important resource, but there are serious concerns about the contamination of drinking water with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals.” With that in mind, the Song of the Week’s is PJ Harvey’s dark and foreboding 1995 classic “Down by the Water.” The song is the first single from […]
On April 10, 2024, the EPA announced it issued the first-ever national, legally enforceable drinking water standard to protect communities from exposure to harmful per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals.” Exposure to PFAS has been linked to deadly cancers, impacts to the liver and heart, and immune and developmental damage to […]
On December 1, 2023, the EPA issued orders to Inhance Technologies LLC (Inhance) directing it not to produce per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), chemicals that are created in the production of its fluorinated high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic containers. “This action, taken under the authority of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), will help protect the […]