On June 15, 2022 EPA announced an updated interim Health Advisory Level (HAL) for PFOA and PFOS from a combined 70 parts per trillion (ppt) to 0.004 ppt for PFOA and 0.02 ppt for PFOS. Additionally, EPA announced final HAL of 10 ppt for GenX and 2000 ppt for PFBS. It is anticipated that EPA will proceed with the development of Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for GenX and PFBS later this year. While it does not appear that EPA is proceeding with MCLs for PFOA and PFOS at this time, the very low HALs are likely to raise a lot of public concern which may pressure water systems to comply. VA AWWA urges our Utility Members to be familiar with the information from EPA and be prepared for media inquiries. While the message from your utility should address your specific situation, it could emphasize that the finished drinking water complies with all current state and federal requirements. If you anticipate or know that your utility will exceed these HALs, a message could also include that your utility is working to identify and minimize PFAS from upstream sources. VA AWWA will provide additional information on this important issue as it becomes available. |
