EPA Unveils National Effort to Reduce ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Drinking Water

A new federal initiative aims to help thousands of water systems address PFAS contamination found in nearly half of U.S. tap water samples.

By yourNEWS Media Newsroom

The Environmental Protection Agency announced a nationwide initiative on April 14 aimed at reducing levels of so-called “forever chemicals” in drinking water systems across the United States, according to reporting by The Epoch Times.

The effort, known as PFAS OUT, focuses on limiting exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of synthetic chemicals widely used in industrial processes and consumer products that persist in the environment. Health concerns linked to PFAS exposure include cancers as well as impacts on reproductive and immune systems, as outlined in research on associated health risks.

According to the agency, the program is designed to reduce exposure to two specific PFAS compounds—PFOA and PFOS—before federal regulatory deadlines take effect. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified PFOA as carcinogenic to humans and PFOS as possibly carcinogenic.

Federal data indicates the scope of contamination is widespread. A U.S. Geological Survey study found that PFAS were present in nearly half of U.S. tap water samples. The study analyzed water collected from 716 locations between 2016 and 2021, detecting at least one PFAS compound in approximately 45 percent of samples.

Through the PFAS OUT initiative, the EPA plans to engage directly with about 3,000 drinking water systems nationwide that have documented challenges with PFAS contamination. These systems represent roughly 2 percent of all U.S. water systems but are among those with the highest levels of PFOA or PFOS.

The agency said the program is intended to assist systems—particularly smaller, rural, and resource-limited communities—by connecting them with tools, technical support, and available funding pathways. The initiative targets systems where contamination exceeds the federal threshold of 4 parts per trillion for PFOA or PFOS.

EPA officials emphasized that the program does not provide direct funding but instead facilitates access to existing resources and guidance to help systems address contamination and prepare for compliance with future standards.

“Protecting Americans from exposure to PFAS in drinking water is a priority for EPA. That’s why I’m thrilled to launch the PFAS OUT initiative to help water systems accelerate actions to reduce exposure to PFOA and PFOS,” said Jess Kramer, the agency’s Assistant Administrator for Water.

The initiative is part of broader federal efforts to address contaminants in drinking water. Earlier this month, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced the release of the agency’s draft Sixth Contaminant Candidate List, identifying substances that may require future regulation. The list includes PFAS, pharmaceuticals, microplastics, disinfection byproducts, as well as additional microbes and chemical compounds.

“For too long, Americans have vocalized concerns about plastics and pharmaceuticals in their drinking water. That ends today,” Zeldin said in a statement announcing the update. “By placing microplastics and pharmaceuticals on the Contaminant Candidate List for the first time ever, EPA is sending a clear message: we will follow the science, we will pursue answers, and we will hold ourselves to the highest standards to protect the health of every American family.”

Additional findings have underscored ongoing challenges in addressing PFAS contamination. A Government Accountability Office report found that many public water systems remain uncertain about how PFAS enter their water supplies, with a majority still lacking fully implemented treatment solutions.

As the EPA rolls out the PFAS OUT initiative, federal officials say the goal is to accelerate mitigation efforts and expand awareness of available resources as water systems work toward meeting regulatory requirements in the coming years.