Alert archive USA
402 published alerts, 40 currently active.
Page 9 of 9
US officially moves to dismantle drinking water PFAS regulations
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has formally proposed new rules to weaken drinking water standards for PFAS. The proposal includes a two-year extension for compliance with PFOS and PFOA limits and the complete repeal of limits for several other 'forever chemicals'. This roll-back affects national safety thresholds previously set to protect communities from chemical contamination. Update (Billings Gazette, 25.07.2026, 23:23): Elevated levels of PFAS have been detected in a dozen public water systems, including municipal utilities and small businesses, in western Montana. These levels are higher than the new federal drinking water standards, revealed by ongoing EPA-mandated testing. Update (news10.com, 26.07.2026, 23:20): A boil water advisory is currently in effect for parts of Saratoga County. All-clear (Mississippi State Department of Health, 25.08.2026, 23:19): A boil water alert for 39 customers in Mississippi's Pearl River Valley Water Supply District, issued August 20, 2026 due to pressure loss from line breaks, has been lifted after water tests confirmed safety. Update (Yahoo News, 31.08.2026, 11:46): A lawsuit was filed August 12, 2026, against the Passaic Valley Water Commission concerning three uncovered reservoirs in North Jersey serving approximately 800,000 people. The reservoirs are alleged to be vulnerable to stormwater runoff, animal waste, and pathogens, violating the Safe Drinking Water Act. Authorities seek a court order to mandate covering the reservoirs or implementing additional treatment.
PFAS Contamination and Sewage Incidents in the Potomac Basin
The Potomac watershed faces significant challenges to drinking water quality due to PFAS contamination and sewage inflows. Among the affected areas is the Occoquan Reservoir, which serves as a drinking water source for approximately one million people in Northern Virginia. Additionally, a historical pipe burst of the Potomac Interceptor was highlighted, which led to significant sewage releases.