How PFAS regulations have changed in the Trump administration, so far

April 14, 2025

Read the full article by Jonathan Cuppett (WaterWorld)

"Much of what took place under the Biden administration is likely to be scrutinized by the new Trump administration. Regarding PFAS regulations in water and wastewater, here’s what we know.

Unchanged: EPA maximum contaminant levels for PFAS in drinking water remain in place

In April 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for six PFAS in drinking water under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Water systems are now working toward compliance following a five-year implementation timeline, with initial monitoring for PFAS in drinking water to be completed between 2024 and 2027. From 2027 to 2029, water systems will have to publish their initial monitoring results in Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs), which must be sent to all ratepayers, along with regular monitoring for compliance and testing results published in each year’s CCR. Any violations of monitoring and testing requirements must be reported through public notices during this period. In 2029, PFAS MCL compliance will be fully enforced with public notice required for any MCL violation.

Because these regulations were finalized and published before the end of the Biden administration, they are unaffected by the Trump administration’s general order to reconsider non-final regulations, so they remain in effect. But a court challenge to the MCLs filed by water and chemical industry groups remains pending, and it is unclear what position the Trump administration may take in defending that lawsuit."