EPA Should Strengthen Methods to Better Identify Drinking Water Contaminants
Pew letter recommends that the agency’s rule reflect the best available science on PFAS and microplastics
On Aug. 31, The Pew Charitable Trusts submitted comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding its proposal for the latest Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 6), which provides data about potential contaminants in drinking water that can be used to guide federal and state policy.
Pew’s letter commended the EPA for including a set of ultra-short chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), including trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). However, it also recommended that the agency revisit its proposed minimum reporting levels for TFA to ensure they are sufficiently sensitive to capture low levels of the chemical in drinking water.
Further, Pew urged the EPA to approve a method for detecting micro- and nanoplastics in drinking water, so that these contaminants—which are associated with health effects such as altered cell growth and survival, and impaired reproduction—can be included in future updates to the UCMR.
Finally, ahead of UCMR 6’s implementation, the EPA should prepare to effectively communicate with and support states, water systems, and communities in using accurate, credible information in outreach to consumers affected by drinking water contaminants.
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