The EPA has issued the first national drinking water standard for chemicals known as PFOA/PFAS, commonly referred to as “forever chemicals.” The agency has established enforceable maximum contaminant levels at 4.0 parts per trillion. EPA officials assert that this measure will reduce exposure to these chemicals in drinking water to feasible levels. Public water systems are given three years to complete their initial monitoring for these chemicals.
Prescott Public Works Director Gwen Rowitsch stated, “The city has until 2029 for full compliance, but Prescott is fortunate that we are already compliant with the rule. Prescott had just one non-compliant well: Airport Well #5. By removing that well from our system, we have been able to produce drinking water that already meets the new standard without additional mitigation requirements.”