New rule for public water systems
To help water systems achieve compliance with the initial new PFAS MCLs, we provide sampling support, technical assistance, and funding for treatment.
We strongly recommend community and non-transient non-community water systems begin their initial monitoring as soon as possible to meet the April 26, 2027 deadline. It takes longer than you think.
NEW: On May 14, 2025, the EPA announced key changes to its PFAS regulations.
Deadlines
April 26, 2027 – Initial PFAS monitoring due – it takes longer than you think!
April 26, 2029 – PFAS MCL compliance due (EPA is proposing to extend this date to 2031)
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 |
| PFNA* | 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.
* On May 14, 2025, the EPA announced key changes to its PFAS regulations. EPA intends to retain maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for PFOA and PFOS but remove MCLs for the Hazard Index, HFPO-DA, PFHxS and PFNA. The MCL compliance deadline is intended to be extended from April 26, 2029, to April 26, 2031. A new draft PFAS rule is expected in Fall 2025 and intended to be finalized in Spring 2026.
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!
PFAS sampling assistance
We may cover the full cost of sampling and shipping, depending on your water system.
Details
FREE PFAS sampling assistance is available for most Community and non-profit Non-Transient Non- Community public water systems. Join the PFAS sampling waitlist to see if we are able to cover some or all of the costs of your water system’s initial monitoring for PFAS sampling.
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.
Funding assistance for treatment or remediation
Fill out the 2025 emerging contaminant grant funding application if your water system has a known emerging contaminant issue and requires or could benefit from treatment or remediation of a known emerging contaminant. Emerging contaminants include but are not limited to PFAS, manganese and cyanotoxins (HABs).
Tools, training, and resources
Find video guides, webinars, sampling instructions, calculators, and more.
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. To qualify for reduced compliance sampling, make sure the laboratory’s Method Reporting Limit (MRL) for both PFOA and PFOS is 2 parts per trillion (ppt) or lower.
Check EPA’s quick reference guide to determine if your water system has enough samples at each point of entry to meet the initial monitoring requirements.
Contact us at [email protected] 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 Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for regulated PFAS. 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 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.
How do I submit a claim for the Public Water System Settlement Program (3M/Dupont Settlement)?
Which labs are certified to sample for PFAS in order to meet the new PFAS rule?
To find laboratories that are certified to test for PFAS to meet the new PFAS rule, go to our Utah Certified Laboratory list.
To qualify for reduced compliance sampling, make sure the laboratory’s Method Reporting Limit (MRL) for both PFOA and PFOS is two parts per trillion (ppt) or lower.
What methods can be used to sample for PFAS to meet monitoring requirements from the new PFAS rule?
To meet the requirements of the new PFAS rule, you must use either EPA Method 533 or Method 537.1 (version 2.0) for PFAS sampling.
Note: To qualify for reduced compliance sampling, make sure the laboratory’s Method Reporting Limit (MRL) for both PFOA and PFOS is 2 parts per trillion (ppt) or lower.
What are the health impacts of PFAS?
Studies have found the health effects of PFAS exposure may include:
- Increased cholesterol
- Changes in liver enzymes
- Decreased infant birth weight
- Decreased vaccine response in children
- Increased high blood pressure in pregnant women
- Increased risk of kidney or testicular cancer
Find more about exposure, testing, and health resources.
How do I sample seasonal sources?
Initial monitoring sampling needs to be conducted at representative sampling conditions. Please email [email protected] for more guidance.
How do I sample shared sources?
Please email [email protected] for guidance on shared sources.
Are there any concerns with cross-contamination with existing plumbing or sampling kits for PFAS?
In general, existing plumbing and sampling kits do not pose a concern for PFAS contamination, with the exception of Teflon tape. While we have not observed any cross-contamination from Teflon tape, we recommend noting its presence in your Chain of Custody (COC) documentation.
To learn more about PFAS cross-contamination and sampling, read our PFAS Sampling Guide.
Do public water systems need to sample emergency sources for PFAS initial monitoring compliance?
No. The Utah Division of Drinking Water is not requiring public water systems to sample emergency sources in order to meet the PFAS initial monitoring requirements. However, public water systems may choose to test emergency drinking water sources if they are interested in doing so.
What should I do if PFAS chemicals are in my drinking water?
If you receive your water from a public drinking water system, we advise you to reach out to your water provider directly to get an understanding of the PFAS results. If your drinking water comes from a private well or non public water system we advise you to reference the EPA factsheet about PFAS in Private Wells.
How do I know if there is PFAS in my drinking water?
You can always reach out to your water provider directly for results, but there are also three other ways you can look for PFAS sample results in your drinking water. First, If you receive your water from a Community drinking water system, you should receive an annual consumer confidence report from your water provider. Second, you can find PFAS results from drinking water samples on DDW’s PFAS results and sampling location map. Finally, you can check EPA’s Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule Data Finder for PFAS results.