EPA releases data on PFAS and lithium in US drinking water

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently released the first dataset collected under the fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 5). This milestone initiative aims to enhance the EPA's understanding of the prevalence and concentration of 29 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and lithium in US drinking water systems.    

The released dataset is expected to play a crucial role in informing future actions under the Safe Drinking Water Act, with a particular focus on public health protection. By shedding light on the presence of PFAS and lithium in drinking water, the data collected through UCMR 5 will aid in science-based decision-making. It will also help assess whether certain communities, especially those with environmental justice concerns, are disproportionately affected by these contaminants.    

The initial data release represents around 7 percent of the total results anticipated over the next three years. The findings will be updated quarterly and made accessible to the public through the EPA's National Contaminant Occurrence Database (NCOD) until the conclusion of data reporting in 2026.    

Earlier this year, in March 2023, the EPA proposed standards to limit specific PFAS in drinking water. If these proposals are finalized, public water systems can utilize data from UCMR 5 to meet the initial monitoring requirements of the rule and inform communities about necessary actions. While awaiting the finalization of the PFAS drinking water standard, the EPA has established Health Advisories (HAs) for four PFAS included in UCMR 5.    

The preliminary dataset has provided significant insights into the presence of contaminants in the nation's drinking water. Notably, the extensively researched PFAS compounds PFOA and PFOS were found at or above the EPA's minimum reporting level (MRL) in approximately 7.8–8.5% of the assessed public water systems (PWSs), surpassing the EPA's Health Advisory (HA) levels. In addition, HFPO-DA, also known as "GenX chemicals," exceeded HA levels in one out of 2 002 PWSs, while PFBS remained below the HA threshold.    

For the remaining 25 PFAS included in UCMR 5, HA levels have not been established. However, nine of these substances were detected at or above their respective MRLs in 1–207 of the approximately 2 000 PWSs studied, while 16 had no reported results at or above their MRLs.    

Regarding lithium, although no HA level has been published, a Health Reference Level (HRL) has been calculated for screening purposes. The data shows that 22 percent of PWSs have reported lithium results above the screening HRL, emphasizing the need for continued monitoring and regulatory efforts to ensure safe drinking water.    

In addition to data collection, the EPA is taking further steps to investigate and remediate PFAS-contaminated sites. The agency is implementing new regulations to hold polluters accountable for contamination from commonly used PFAS chemicals and has issued orders requiring PFAS manufacturers to conduct testing under the National Testing Strategy.    

To support communities impacted by PFAS and other emerging contaminants in their drinking water, the EPA has allocated $9 billion. This includes $4 billion through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) and $5 billion through the "Emerging Contaminants in Small or Disadvantaged Communities" grant program. These funds will enable communities to invest in solutions aimed at removing PFAS from their drinking water, reinforcing the EPA's commitment to public health and environmental protection.    

The release of the UCMR 5 dataset marks a significant advancement in the EPA's mission to ensure safe drinking water for all Americans. With the data obtained, the EPA will continue to take proactive measures to address PFAS and lithium contamination, protect public health, and promote environmental well-being.      

 

Source:  

EPA