In 2016, the EPA set a nonbinding health advisory for PFOA and PFOS, the chemicals commonly grouped under the term PFAS or "forever chemicals," at 70 parts per trillion in drinking water. There was no enforcement mechanism behind that number. In April 2024, the EPA finalized the first legally enforceable limits on PFAS in drinking water: 4 parts per trillion for both PFOA and PFOS.
Here's what has changed since then, and what the current rule means for your water.
What Is PFAS?
PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, a large group of man-made chemicals used in manufacturing since the 1940s. Their molecular bonds resist breaking down in the environment, which is why they're known as forever chemicals.
PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) is used in products that resist water, oil, stains, heat, and grease, including firefighting foam, water-resistant fabrics, and non-stick cookware. PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonic acid) is a stain repellent used in products like Scotchgard. Both have been linked to health risks including:
- Cancer
- Liver damage
- Weakened immunity in children
- Low birth weight
- Reproductive issues
- Increased cholesterol levels
The 2024 Rule and Where It Stands Now
The EPA's April 2024 rule set enforceable limits of 4 parts per trillion for PFOA and PFOS individually, along with limits on four additional PFAS chemicals (PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA, and a combined Hazard Index for chemical mixtures including PFBS). Public water systems were originally given until 2029 to come into compliance.
Two things have changed since the rule was finalized. First, the EPA has proposed extending the compliance deadline for PFOA and PFOS from 2029 to 2031, giving utilities more time to install treatment technology. That proposal has not yet been finalized. Second, the EPA has proposed rescinding the limits on the other four PFAS chemicals (PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA, and the Hazard Index mixture), while leaving the PFOA and PFOS limits in place. The public comment period on that proposal closed in July 2026, and a final decision is still pending.
In short: the core PFOA/PFOS limit of 4 parts per trillion remains federal law today, but the timeline for utilities to meet it and the scope of chemicals covered are both still being finalized. It's worth checking back on this as the rulemaking closes out.
How to Check Your Water for PFAS
Standard at-home water test kits can't detect PFAS; they're built to test for things like chlorine, iron, and calcium. Confirming PFAS levels requires a laboratory test, either through a kit from an accredited lab or by contacting your local water utility directly and asking for their current PFAS testing data.
Water quality varies significantly by location, so it's worth finding out what's actually in the water your household drinks rather than assuming a national average applies to you.
How to Reduce PFAS at Home
Regulation moves slowly, and even once the new deadlines are set, compliance takes years to reach every water system. Filtering your own water is the more immediate step.
ZeroWater's 5-stage pitchers and dispensers are IAPMO-certified to reduce PFOA/PFOS, lead, and mercury, and remove up to 99.6% of Total Dissolved Solids.
We offer a range of water filtration products, from compact pitchers to dispensers sized for a full household. Learn more about how our filtration systems work and find the one that fits your home.
Sources:
"PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation" - United States Environmental Protection Agency - https://www.epa.gov/sdwa/and-polyfluoroalkyl-substances-pfas
"Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)" - United States Environmental Protection Agency - https://www.epa.gov/pfas
