# Clean Water Standards for PFAS Act of 2021

This bill tackles a serious water pollution problem by requiring the federal government to set strict safety limits for PFAS chemicals in drinking water. PFAS stands for "forever chemicals"—a group of human-made substances that don't break down naturally in the environment and can accumulate in your body over time. These chemicals are found in many everyday products like non-stick cookware, water-resistant clothing, food packaging, and firefighting foam used at airports and military bases. They've contaminated drinking water supplies across the country, and studies have linked them to health problems including kidney disease, thyroid issues, and weakened immune systems.

Right now, the EPA has only set a drinking water standard for a couple of PFAS chemicals, leaving most of them unregulated even though they're showing up in people's tap water. This bill would force the EPA to establish enforceable drinking water standards for a broader range of PFAS chemicals within a specific timeframe. It also requires the EPA to regularly update these standards as new scientific evidence emerges about which PFAS chemicals are most dangerous. Additionally, the bill mandates that water systems test for these chemicals and notify the public if contamination is found, giving people the information they need to protect their families.

The practical impact is that communities with PFAS-contaminated water would need to invest in treatment systems to remove these chemicals, which could increase water bills for residents. However, the bill aims to protect public health by preventing long-term exposure to chemicals that accumulate in the body. For people living near military bases, airports, or industrial areas where PFAS contamination is common, this bill could mean cleaner drinking water and reduced health risks. It also creates accountability by requiring water companies to be transparent about what's in the water people drink.

Clean Water Standards for PFAS Act of 2021

Gillibrand, Kirsten E.

Clean Water Standards for PFAS Act of 2021 This bill directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop requirements and incentives to limit the discharge of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) into certain waters of the United States. PFAS&nbsp;are man-made and may have adverse human health effects. A variety of products contain the compounds, such as nonstick cookware or weatherproof clothing. Within two years, the EPA must publish water quality criteria for each measurable perfluoroalkyl substance, polyfluoroalkyl substance, and class of PFAS. The water quality criteria must determine how much of these substances can be present in water before it is likely to harm human health. Within four years, the EPA must publish a final rule that establishes, for each priority industry category specified in the bill, effluent limitations guidelines and standards for the discharge of each measurable perfluoroalkyl substance, polyfluoroalkyl substance, and class of PFAS. Under the Clean Water Act, effluent limitations restrict the quantities, rates, and concentrations of chemical, physical, biological, and other constituents which are discharged from point sources (e.g., a discernible source such as a pipe) into navigable waters, the ocean, or other specified waters. In addition, the EPA must award grants to owners and operators of publicly owned treatment works for implementing the effluent limitations guidelines and standards.