PFAS : The View From Drinking Water Utilities

Author's note: On June 9, 2021, I testified on behalf of AWWA to the US Senate's Committee Environment and Public Works topic per- polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The following are edited excerpts from that testimony. Drinking water utilities state environmental agencies need know where focus monitoring efforts understand what risks may be in source waters. To do that, we PFAS compounds have been produced volumes. There existing tools Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) could using a greater degree help address these concerns. For example, Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) has data-gathering authority agency use garner more information manufacturing sector about number developed, quantities they were produced. Present TSCA data indicate manufacturers already discontinued compounds, but local risk managers manage legacy proactively still use. Deploying authorities service safe drinking is “source protection” at strategic level. Clean Water (CWA) can come into play as well. Information gleaned via target assessments environment will assist development industrial pretreatment actions under act. CWA also impact analytical methods for wastewaters appropriate reliable treatment methods. Research key identifying potential regulation. lack clear health effects most long held back regulatory determinations Safe Act, which requires substance known to, or likely occur public systems with frequency levels concern. act regulation such contaminants present meaningful opportunity reduction. Different unique structures chemical properties methods, their fate degradation environment, effectiveness different technologies. effectively new contaminants, engineering community needs each piece guide design operation It important request examine technical economic analyses career staff USEPA before proceeding any legislation regulate PFAS. G. Tracy Mehan III executive director Government Affairs Office Washington, D.C. He reached [email protected].