Update – May 19, 2026: The EPA has announced two proposed rules related to PFAS in drinking water, formally moving forward on the path outlined in May 2025. The proposals would restart the regulatory process for four chemicals — PFHxS, PFNA, GenX (HFPO-DA), and their combined hazard index — from the beginning. Both rules are open for public comment for 60 days, with a public hearing scheduled for July 7, 2026. Until new rules are finalized, there are no enforceable federal limits on these compounds, meaning water systems are not required to test for them, report them, or take action even when contamination is present.

Protections for PFOA and PFOS remain in place, though the compliance deadline extension to 2031 is also formally proposed.

The science on the health risks of PFAS has not changed. PFAS at any level have been detected in the tap water of an estimated 158 million Americans, and exposure has been linked to cancer, hormone disruption, liver damage, and immune system effects. Since federal protections can shift, a certified home filtration system remains one of the most reliable ways to reduce your exposure regardless of where regulations stand.

As of June 24, 2025, we’ve updated this blog to include changes to PFAS regulations at both state and federal levels.

In a major policy shift affecting drinking water for millions of Americans, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on May 14, 2025, that it is rolling back parts of last year’s landmark PFAS regulations and delaying the enforcement of others. 

This marks a major change in how the federal government addresses PFAS contamination—short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances—linked to cancer and other serious health issues.

In April 2024, the EPA introduced the first-ever enforceable federal limits on six PFAS found in drinking water, establishing the following Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs):

• 4 parts per trillion (ppt) each for PFOA and PFOS (two of the most notorious PFAS)

• 10 ppt each for PFHxS, PFNA, and GenX 

• A Hazard Index of 1 for combinations including PFBS

Just over a year later, the EPA's May 14, 2025, announcement included two major updates: 

1. Delayed Enforcement for PFOA and PFOS Regulations

Originally set to take effect in 2029, the new deadline for compliance is now 2031. 

That means utilities now have two additional years to reduce PFOA and PFOS levels to below 4 ppt. 

2. Rescinded Limits for Four Other PFAS

The EPA also announced plans to “rescind” and "reconsider" limits for the following:

• PFHxS

• PFNA

• HFPO-DA (also known as GenX)

• The Hazard Index that includes these three plus PFBS

For now, there are no enforceable federal limits on these chemicals.

That means water systems are not required to test for them, report them, or take action—even when contamination is known.

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin described the move as “common-sense flexibility in the form of additional time for compliance.” 

Supporters—including several water utility groups—say the delay gives systems more time to test treatment options, secure funding, and avoid widespread noncompliance.

To help utilities adapt, the EPA launched a new initiative called PFAS OUT to offer funding, technical support, planning tools, and direct guidance for water systems navigating PFAS contamination.

The EPA estimates that 6–10% of U.S. water systems exceed the upcoming PFAS limits.

While that may not sound like much, that means as many as 100 million Americans could be exposed to tap water containing PFAS above 4 ppt.

And according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), PFAS at any level have been detected in the tap water of 158 million Americans.

That means nearly 1 in 2 Americans could already be drinking PFAS-contaminated tap water. 

Remember, PFAS have been linked to:

• Several types of cancer (kidney, testicular, prostate, and others)

• Cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure

• Liver damage and elevated cholesterol levels

• Hormonal disruption, especially thyroid issues

• Reproductive and developmental problems, including lower birth weights and fertility issues

Worse, they are known as "forever chemicals" because they don't break down naturally in the environment or the human body.

June 15, 2022: EPA warns PFOA and PFOS pose serious health risk at “near-zero” levels

April 2024: First-ever PFAS limits announced; compliance set for 2029

May 14, 2025: Deadline for PFOA and PFOS extended to 2031; other limits rescinded

Spring 2026: EPA expected to propose new rules for rescinded PFAS

2031: New deadline to meet limits for PFOA and PFOS

Update – June 24, 2025: In the wake of the EPA rolling back certain PFAS regulations, some states are stepping up to fill the gap. The Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled that state regulators have the authority to mandate PFAS cleanup prior to official federal designation as hazardous substances.

The decision is especially important in states like Wisconsin, where PFAS contamination has impacted groundwater, threatening drinking water sources for entire communities. It reinforces the state’s ability to act quickly on public health risks without waiting for federal approval.

This marks the latest chapter in the long-running debate over how to manage PFAS at both the state and national levels—and highlights the ongoing tension between environmental protection and industry regulation.

The need to protect your water from PFAS is urgent… and we’re here to help.

Powered by advanced Affinity® Filtration Technology, our best-selling filtered water pitcher, universal inline fridge filter, and 3-stage under-the-sink filtration systems are proven to reduce PFAS —along with hundreds of other contaminants ordinary water filters overlook. 

Rather than relying on rules that may change, tap here to shop our full line of advanced filtration systems so you never have to wonder what’s in your water again. 

And stay tuned for future updates as we do our part to help you stay at the forefront of filtration.