PFAS Regulations

Per – and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemicals in a wide range of consumer and industrial products. Known as “forever chemicals,” PFAS are highly persistent in the environment and human body, raising concerns about potential health risks.

On April 10, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized its first-ever National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) for six PFAS chemicals. The rule also encourages the use of certified point-of-use (POU) and point-of-entry (POE) devices, many of which are listed in WQA’s product certification database. Read rule.

On May 14, 2025, in a press release the EPA announced its intent to keep the announced maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for PFOA and PFOS at 4 parts per trillion (ppt). It also announced they’d rescind the regulations and reconsider the regulatory determinations for PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA (commonly known as GenX), and the Hazard Index mixture of these three plus PFBS.

States continue to lead with their own PFAS standards and monitoring programs. Some have adopted stricter MCLs than the federal rule or expanded the list of regulated PFAS compounds.

The WQA Regulatory Database Taskforce developed a state-level PFAS report that is now maintained by WQA’s Government Affairs team. To download the report, click here.

WQA PFAS Portal A comprehensive hub for PFAS education, treatment technologies, and communication tools for dealers and consumers.
WQA Submitted Comments to the EPA highlighting the capabilities of third-party certified POU and POE drinking water treatment systems.
PFAS Strategic Plan
Review of EPA’s Analyses to Support EPA’s National Primary Drinking Water Rulemaking for PFAS, and Review of the EPA’s Draft Fifth Contaminant Candidate List (CCL 5)
Find WQA Gold Seal Certified Products to reduce PFAS compounds in drinking water

The NDWAC met July 28, 2025, to discuss current EPA actions on PFAS, including a delay in compliance for MCLs for PFOS and PFOA. Read a summary here.