Drinking water, PFAS and a new phase of public scrutiny

The Guardian | April 24, 2026

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"As Earth Day draws attention to environmental health, PFAS in drinking water is becoming a more immediate household concern.

In April 2024, the US Environmental Protection Agency finalized the first national, legally enforceable drinking water standard for six PFAS under the Safe Drinking Water Act. For PFOA and PFOS — two of the most widely discussed PFAS compounds — the enforceable limit was set at 4 parts per trillion (ppt). This marked an important shift: PFAS in drinking water is no longer only a research or environmental issue, but one that has entered a clearer regulatory framework.

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, refers to a large group of synthetic chemicals used for decades in industrial processes and consumer products because they resist heat, water, oil and staining. Among them, PFOA and PFOS have drawn particular attention because of their persistence in the environment and their long history of use. They are often called “forever chemicals” because they break down very slowly and can remain in soil and water for long periods."