EPA accepting public comment on proposed PFAS rules until July 20

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced two proposed rules on May 18 that would revise the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations for several four per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) under the Safe Drinking Water Act.

Proposed rules

The first proposed rule would rescind the regulatory determinations and Maximum Containment Level Goals for four PFAS, including PFHxS, PFNA and HFPO-DA, as well as mixtures of them, and PFBS. This would eliminate requirements for monitoring and treatment by public water systems. For more information about the proposed rule, click here.

The second proposed rule would retain the existing Maximum Containment Levels for PFOA and PFOS at four parts per trillion and allow drinking water systems to apply for a two-year compliance extension. The extension would change the deadline from April 26, 2029, to April 26, 2031. Systems would have to apply, meet certain criteria and be approved to receive the extension. For more information about the proposed rule, click here.

Public comment

The EPA is accepting public comment on both proposed rules until July 20, 2026.

To submit a comment on the first proposed rule, visit regulations.gov under Docket ID: EPA-HQ-OW-2025-0654.

To submit a comment on the second proposed rule, visit regulations.gov under Docket ID: EPA-HQ-OW-2025-1742. 

Virtual public hearing

The EPA will hold a virtual public hearing on July 7, 2026, where the public is invited to provide verbal comments on both proposed rules.

Registration is required. Those interested in providing verbal comments must pre-register by July 1, 2026. For more information and to register, click here.

Further information

For more information, contact Nicole Shao at the Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water at 202-564-6779 or PFASNPDWR@epa.gov.