It’s April 2024, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalizes the first-ever national limits on PFAS in drinking water after decades of delays. The move is hailed as a major victory for public health and is praised by communities long plagued by PFAS water contamination. Fast-forward to 2025, however, and those hard-won PFAS protections would face a significant setback. On May 14, the EPA announced plans to withdraw limits on some PFAS in drinking water set by the previous administration—a decision that presents numerous reasons for concern.
This article breaks down the proposed changes, the top four potential ripple effects, and how to protect yourself and your family from potential PFAS contamination in your water supply.
What are PFAS, and how widespread are they in U.S. drinking water?
Short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, PFAS are a class of over 15,000 human-made chemicals used since the 1940s to repel stains, water, oils, heat, and grease. Because of their widespread use, release, and disposal over the decades, these “forever chemicals” can be found virtually everywhere, including drinking water.
Speaking of which, PFAS chemicals are present in water systems for nearly half of Americans. Besides, a peer-reviewed study by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) estimates that over 200 million Americans (more than 60% of the U.S. population) could have toxic PFAS in their drinking water at concentrations higher than 1 part per trillion (ppt), the level the EWG and independent scientific studies consider safe.
How did the EPA regulate PFAS in drinking water?
In what was deemed “the most significant upgrade in the safety of the nation’s drinking water in three decades,” the EPA established the first-ever nationwide standards for some PFAS in drinking water. Announced in April 2024, the rulemaking covered six PFAS chemicals:
Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA)
Perfluorooctanesulfonic Acid (PFOS)
Perfluorohexanesulfonic Acid (PFHxS)
Perfluorononanoic Acid (PFNA)
HFPO-DA (commonly known as GenX)
Perfluorobutanesulfonic Acid (PFBS)
Specifically, the regulations established legally enforceable Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) of 4 parts per trillion (ppt) each for PFOA and PFOS, two of the most well-known PFAS, and 10 ppt for PFNA, PFHxS, and “GenX Chemicals.” It also set a limit for mixtures of certain PFAS using a Hazard Index.
Under the rule, the EPA required public water utilities to monitor water for the six compounds, notify the public of unsafe levels, and treat the water. It also gave water municipalities until 2027 to comply, with a two-year extension due to the extra cost of setting up new water treatment systems.
What is the EPA’s new proposed rule for PFAS in drinking water?
In a press release on May 15, 2025, the EPA announced that it intends to scrap limits for four of the six PFAS chemicals established by the previous administration. These PFAS include newer types like GenX (HFPO-DA), PFHxS, and PFNA. The agency said it will also revise the limit set for a mixture of several PFAS types. Though the standards for PFOA and PFOS will remain the same, compliance deadlines will extend from 2029 to 2031.
The EPA says these measures are meant to address the biggest compliance hurdles raised by public utilities, members of Congress, and other stakeholders. Some of these entities had sued to overturn the 2024 standards, arguing that the costs of PFAS remediation were too steep and that the time was too tight for them to adhere to the standards.
4 Potential Ripple Effects of the EPA’s PFAS Rule Rollback
With PFAS contamination a widespread issue across America, undercutting regulations for “forever chemicals” in drinking water could lead to serious outcomes.
1. It could threaten public health.
Even in small doses, PFAS can raise the risk of a range of serious health issues, including cancer, liver damage, thyroid disease, immune system disorders, and fertility problems. Studies have also linked exposure to increased cholesterol levels, weight gain, and hormonal disruption
Repealing key PFAS protections for drinking water could leave millions exposed to these hazardous chemicals, warns Earthjustice, a non-profit public interest environmental law organization: “EPA’s new plan would eliminate or substantially delay urgently needed protections for up to 105 million people across the country whose drinking water is contaminated with PFAS at levels exceeding the 2024 standards.”
2. It may allow higher levels of PFAS in drinking water for longer.
In some instances, easing federal standards or pushing back deadlines gives water utilities and PFAS polluters less incentive to act quickly to address the problem. Consequently, communities struggling with dangerously high PFAS contamination, like those near chemical plants, military bases, or airports, could face years of continued exposure before seeing any meaningful changes. The longer these chemicals remain in drinking water, the greater the risk to public health, especially for children, pregnant moms, older folks, and other vulnerable groups.
3. It may create legal uncertainty and make it harder to hold polluters accountable.
The Safe Drinking Water Act includes an “anti-backsliding” provision that says any new health standards can’t be less protective than the old ones. By attempting to roll back PFAS limits, the EPA could open itself up to lawsuits from environmental groups or states, possibly undermining existing legal agreements that force polluters to pay for cleanup. If the standards are weakened, polluters might argue that they’re no longer responsible for addressing contamination, leaving affected communities in limbo.
4. It could erode public trust in government agencies and their commitment to clean water.
When a government agency reverses course on protections put in place to safeguard health, it sends a clear message about its priorities. Many people already feel let down by past failures to address PFAS contamination, and this rollback may deepen skepticism about whether public health is truly being prioritized. Communities that have fought for years for clean water may feel abandoned, while industries that contributed to the problem may benefit from regulatory relief.
Worried about PFAS? Here’s How to Keep Them Out of Your Drinking Water
Undermining vital PFAS regulations for drinking water may drive fear and worry into the hearts of many, which is understandable considering the potential harms of these toxic synthetic chemicals. The good news, however, is that there are steps you can take to reduce your exposure to PFAS in your water supply:
1. Check if your water is contaminated.
Check your local water utility’s Consumer Confidence Report or use online resources like the Environmental Working Group’s PFAS contamination map to determine if your water might be tainted with PFAS. If you have a private well, consider purchasing a water test kit and having a certified laboratory test your water for forever chemicals and other unwanted pollutants.
2. Filter your drinking water.
Water filters are a powerful line of defense against PFAS in drinking water. Under-sink reverse osmosis water filtration systems and whole-house activated carbon filters are excellent options, albeit with different removal rates. RO systems usually work best for PFAS removal, reducing levels by 94% or more. SpringWell offers both the reverse osmosis product under the Moen brand and whole home water filtration solutions from SpringWell.
3. Advocate for stronger federal PFAS protections.
Stay informed and support organizations working to preserve or improve drinking water standards. Contact your members of Congress immediately and demand action. Let your voice be heard!
Final Thoughts
PFAS pose a serious threat to the health of millions of Americans, and plans to roll back limits for some of these chemicals in drinking water could raise the stakes. While efforts to gut the existing PFAS rules should expect legal opposition, you should take steps to protect yourself and your family from possible exposure through drinking water. Testing your water, filtering it, and advocating for stronger PFAS regulations are a great starting point.
If you need help choosing the best water filter for PFAS removal, call Springwell at 800-589-5592 or schedule a free consultation. Our friendly team of experts will provide guidance and solutions tailored to your needs.