On April 10, 2024, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued National Primary Drinking Water Regulations for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) establishing Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for six PFAS. The EPA regulations limit PFAS levels in Community and Non-Transient Non-Community public drinking water sources. For more information about the EPA MCLs, see EPA's Final PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation webpage. States are required to establish regulations that are no less stringent than the federal standards within 2 years of the promulgation of the federal MCL, with the possibility of an extension of up to 2 years. The Massachusetts regulations, which established a PFAS6 MCL of 20 parts per trillion (ppt) will be updated. MassDEP will be proposing amendments to its PFAS regulations to be at least as stringent as the EPA MCLs and will be holding public hearings to receive public input on this proposal.
MassDEP/DWP compared Massachusetts public water systems (PWS) most recent PFAS testing results to the EPA PFAS MCLs and determined that 181 PWS may be impacted by the new EPA PFAS Regulations. These PWS are not in violation but must begin planning to address PFAS and take any needed action before the Massachusetts regulations are implemented to avoid violations of the MCLs and to provide safe drinking water.
Please complete the survey below that is intended to help MassDEP identify which PWS are already taking action to address PFAS and/or need technical assistance for planning and/or funding for corrective actions to address PFAS. Thank you for your help in ensuring the delivery of safe drinking water to the public.