EPA Sets Stricter Limits on “Forever Chemicals” in the U.S.’s Drinking Water
On April 10, the EPA set the limits on six “Forever Chemicals”—including PFOA and PFOS—that can be in drinking water to 4 parts per trillion. It also set the limits for other chemicals allowed–also called GenX chemicals—at ten parts per trillion.
Public water systems must monitor for these PFAS and have three years to complete initial monitoring (by 2027), followed by ongoing compliance monitoring. Water systems must also provide the public with information on the levels of these PFAS in their drinking water beginning in 2027.
Public water systems have five years (by 2029) to implement solutions that reduce these PFAS if monitoring shows that drinking water levels exceed these MCLs.
Collegeville and Trappe’s water comes from groundwater. We are currently sourcing water from 9 wells throughout our two boroughs. All those wells have been in compliance with the DEP’s previous limit of 14 parts per trillion set in 2023 except for one, which was just over the limit by 0.5.
Since last year, our Public Works Director, Joe Hastings, working with the Collegeville-Trappe Joint Public Works Committee, made up of six Council members from Collegeville and Trappe Boroughs, has been monitoring the Collegeville and Trappe wells on a regular basis. They have also been actively researching the best long-term remedies to reduce these contaminants.
However, this new announcement of EPA limits of only 4 parts per trillion requires additional analysis and a more comprehensive and costly remediation.
To identify the best solutions for Collegeville and Trappe’s water, Public Works has commissioned further research and a revised system model from Entech Engineering, a firm which specializes in water treatment and environmental compliance.
Public Works has been looking at these potential solutions:
- Install PFAS and PFOS treatment systems at the affected wells;
- Install an interconnect with North Penn Water Authority (NPWA) to supplement Collegeville and Trappe’s water by installing a new 12-inch water main on Gravel Pike, or
- Install an interconnect with NPWA by installing a new 12-inch water main on 9th Ave.
They have also been actively looking into grants and loans to fund the changes needed to reach this new standard.
Residents should be assured that you do not need to boil your water or use an alternative water supply, such as bottled water. However, if you have specific health concerns, consult your doctor.
If you have questions, you can call Public Works at 610 489 2831.
Additional background information from EPA: https://www.epa.gov/sdwa/and-polyfluoroalkyl-substances-pfas
Frequently Asked Questions https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2024-04/pfas-npdwr_qa_general_4.9.24v1.pdf
Reducing PFAS in Your Drinking Water With a Home Filter https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2024-04/water-filter-fact-sheet.pdf
