New rule for public water systems
We will be working with water systems to achieve compliance with the new PFAS MCLs by the April 26, 2027 and April 26, 2029 deadlines, including providing sampling support, technical assistance, and funding for treatment.
More info about EPA’s final PFAS rule and its requirements for public water systems
New PFAS MCLs
EPA has published a PFAS rule establishing new maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for six PFAS compounds: PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, HFPO-DA, and PFNA as contaminants with individual MCLs, and PFAS mixtures containing at least two or more of PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA, and PFBS using a Hazard Index MCL to account for the combined and co-occurring levels of these PFAS in drinking water.
| PFAS | EPA MCLs (ppt) |
|---|---|
| PFOS | 4.0 |
| PFOA | 4.0 |
| PFBS | 10 |
| PFHxS | 10 |
| Gen X (HFPO-DA) | 10 |
| PFBS | Hazard Index (HI) =1 |
| Gen X (HFPO-DA) | Hazard Index (HI) =1 |
| PFNA | Hazard Index (HI) =1 |
| PFHxS | Hazard Index (HI) =1 |
$$\text{Hazard Index (1 unitless)} = {\left(\left[HFPO-DA\right]\over\left[10\text{ ppt}\right])\right) + \left(\left[PFBS\right]\over\left[2000\text{ ppt}\right])\right) + \left(\left[PFNA\right]\over\left[10\text{ ppt}\right])\right) + \left(\left[PFHxS\right]\over\left[10\text{ ppt}\right])\right)}$$
By the April 26, 2029 compliance deadline, community and non-transient non-community water systems that have PFAS levels that violate one or more of the above MCLs must have taken action to reduce levels of these PFAS in their drinking water and must provide notification to the public of any violation.
Initial monitoring requirements
Community and non-transient non-community water systems must monitor for these PFAS and have three years to complete initial monitoring (by April 26, 2027), followed by ongoing compliance monitoring at all points of entry.
Initial public notice requirements
Community and non-transient non-community water systems must also provide the public with information on the levels of these PFAS in their drinking water beginning on April 26, 2027. If your water system is testing through UCMR5, then UCMR5 testing and public notification must still be completed as required.
Assistance is available!
We are actively working on how to best assist public water systems in complying with the new PFAS rule. We have funding available to help with PFAS sampling and installations of PFAS treatment, if required.
At this time, we are prioritizing assistance to community and non-transient non-community public water systems. In the future, transient non-community water systems and private wells may be considered for assistance.
For community or non-transient non-community water systems
If you work with a community or non-profit or local government owned non-transient non-community public water system and are interested in receiving assistance with PFAS sampling to meet EPA’s initial monitoring requirements due by 2027, join our waitlist. We will cover sampling and shipping costs.
For water systems with 10,000+ population
For water systems larger than 10,000 in population, due to limited funding we are currently only able to provide financial assistance for up to six samples per water system.
Tools, Training, and Resources
Find video guides, webinars, sampling instructions, calculators, and more.
Utah’s response to the PFAS rule
Right now, we are helping public water systems test for PFAS to follow rules set by the EPA. We are also keeping an eye on PFAS levels through the EPA’s Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR5).
Results & sampling locations map
See which systems have conducted sampling, where sampling occurred, and sample results on the our map.
To obtain a copy of sampling results with the associated geographic information, send an email to [email protected] indicating that you want locational information associated with PFAS sampling.
See the map data spreadsheet
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We (a water system) have detected PFAS in our water. What does that mean for us?
If your water system has PFAS detections in your water supply, notify us at [email protected]. We will work with you to understand the results and help you determine what the next steps should be.
How many samples and how often will my water system need to sample for PFAS in the initial monitoring due by 2027?
Community and non-transient non-community water systems must complete initial monitoring at all entry points to the distribution system. Based on system size and source water at an entry point, systems must conduct initial monitoring either twice or quarterly during a 12-month period.
Surface Water Systems
Serving all population sizes
- Quarterly within 12-month period
- Samples collected 2 to 4 months apart
Groundwater Systems
Serving >10,000 customers
- Quarterly within 12-month period
- Samples collected 2 to 4 months apart
Groundwater Systems
Serving less than 10,000 customers
- Twice within 12-month period
- Samples collected 5 to 7 months apart
Do public water systems still need to comply with UCMR5 testing and public notification requirements?
Yes. UCMR5 testing and public notification must still be completed as required.
Can previous PFAS test results be used?
Yes. If a water system has already tested for PFAS using the allowed methods (either EPA Methods 533 or 537.1), these tests might count for the initial monitoring depending on how much time has passed. Check EPA’s quick reference guide to determine if your water system has enough samples at each point of entry.
Contact us for help in determining whether your sample results are valid for initial monitoring.
Do utah public water systems have to follow EPA rules?
Yes, Utah Public Water Systems have to follow the new EPA rules about PFAS.
What is the Practical Quantitation Level (PQL)?
The PQL is defined as the lowest concentration of a contaminant achieved reliably and accurately within specified limits = during routine laboratory operating conditions. These levels are set at specific concentrations and provide the precision and accuracy that the EPA estimates can be achieved across laboratories nationwide and are the most appropriate levels for use in determining the lowest feasible level that can be implemented. PQLs are used for MCL compliance determination.
| Compound | Practical Quantitation Level (ppt) |
|---|---|
| PFOS | 4.0 |
| PFOA | 4.0 |
| PFHxS | 3.0 |
| GenX Chemicals | 5.0 |
| PFNA | 4.0 |
| PFBS | 3.0 |
What is an MCL?
An MCL is the Maximum Contaminant Level. The MCL is the maximum level allowed of a contaminant in water which is delivered to any user of a public water system.
What does MDL mean?
The method detection limit (MDL) is defined as the minimum measured concentration of a substance that can be reported with 99% confidence that the measured concentration is distinguishable from method blank results. In other words, MDL is the smallest amount of a substance that a test can detect.
What is the trigger level and what will it be used for?
A trigger level is used to establish how often to test a water system during compliance monitoring. Trigger levels are set at 50% of the MCLs for regulated PFAS and 50%of the Hazard Index MCL. Based on initial monitoring, systems that have any samples greater than or equal to the trigger levels for any of the regulated MCLs are required to conduct default quarterly monitoring (one sample taken every quarter) at that entry point. Based on initial monitoring, systems that have all sample results below the trigger levels for all regulated PFAS can reduce monitoring to once every three years at those entry points.
What is a point of entry?
A point of entry is where samples are collected to test the drinking water quality before it is distributed to homes and businesses.
The point of entry sample location might show the quality of water from different sources if those sources are combined together before reaching any connection.
The point of entry should represent source water after it has undergone any treatment (disinfection, metals removal, blending), and is always upstream of the first culinary connection.
What is the 3M/Dupont Settlement and how does this affect my water system?
Beginning in 2023, multiple companies have announced settlements for collective claims against manufacturers related to PFAS drinking water contamination in public water systems. Over a period of 13 years, the settlement will provide funds for public water systems for testing and treating PFAS contamination.
To learn more go to the Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) Products Liability Litigation (MDL 2873) website.