What is the Safe Level of PFAS in Drinking Water? New Standards and Recommendations

TL;DR: The EPA’s latest PFAS guidelines set stricter limits on safe levels in drinking water, with New Hampshire enforcing its own regulations. Homeowners should regularly test water supplies, install filtration systems, and stay informed about ongoing developments in PFAS regulations.

PFAS contamination in drinking water has become a significant public health concern across the country, and New Hampshire is no exception. Known for their stubborn resistance to breaking down, PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) can persist in the environment for decades. With growing awareness of the health risks associated with PFAS exposure, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and New Hampshire state governance have established guidelines to define safe PFAS levels in NH drinking water.

Today, we explore the current EPA PFAS drinking water standards, New Hampshire’s guidelines, and the evolving understanding of what constitutes safe levels of PFAS in our household water.

EPA PFAS Drinking Water Standards

In recent years, the EPA has updated its recommendations regarding safe PFAS levels. In 2016, the EPA set a health advisory of 70 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA and PFOS, two of the most common PFAS chemicals. However, research has since shown that even lower levels of PFAS can pose a risk to human health, prompting the EPA to adjust its guidelines.

In 2023, the EPA proposed new PFAS drinking water standards to reduce levels to nearly zero. The proposed Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for PFOA and PFOS are now 4 ppt, significantly reducing earlier limits. Although these goals are challenging to meet, they reflect the EPA’s increased understanding of PFAS toxicity and its effects on long-term health.

Safe PFAS Levels NH: New Hampshire’s Drinking Water Guidelines

New Hampshire has responded to growing concerns about PFAS contamination by enforcing its own PFAS guidelines in NH, which were developed in response to the EPA’s recommendations but also take into account local conditions and contamination risks.

The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) has set the following standards for PFAS in drinking water:

• PFOA: 12 parts per trillion (ppt)
• PFOS: 15 parts per trillion (ppt)
• PFHxS: 18 parts per trillion (ppt)
• PFNA: 11 parts per trillion (ppt)

These limits apply to public water systems and private wells. When contamination levels exceed these limits, action must be taken, such as installing water filtration systems or extending public water lines to affected households.

In addition to regulating drinking water, New Hampshire has established rigorous groundwater quality standards and requires ongoing monitoring to ensure compliance with PFAS regulations.

How PFAS Are Monitored and Regulated in New Hampshire

In light of the emerging science, New Hampshire is continuing to refine its PFAS guidelines to better protect public health. NHDES regularly reviews the latest research and monitors PFAS levels in water supplies across the state.

For private well owners, New Hampshire offers rebate programs that provide financial assistance for PFAS testing and water filtration systems. These programs are essential for residents in areas where PFAS contamination is more likely, such as near industrial sites, landfills, or military bases.

The state has also partnered with the EPA to manage Superfund sites, ensuring compliance with federal cleanup efforts and remediation standards. One notable site is the Coakley Landfill Superfund Site in Rockingham County, where PFAS contamination has been detected in nearby water supplies. The EPA and NHDES are working together to address the contamination at Coakley and ensure that surrounding communities are protected from further exposure.

For PFAS specifically, NHDES requires public water systems to monitor PFAS levels regularly. If contamination exceeds the state’s established limits, the water system must conduct quarterly testing to confirm the results and notify the public about the contamination. If an exceedance is confirmed, the water supplier must take steps to reduce PFAS concentrations, either through treatment, filtration, or other remediation efforts.

What Can Homeowners Do to Ensure Safe PFAS Levels?

Ensuring that your drinking water meets safe PFAS levels in NH starts with regular testing. If you live in an area that may be affected by PFAS contamination, it’s important to have your water tested, especially if you rely on a private well.

For homes with confirmed PFAS contamination, installing a water filtration system is the most effective way to reduce exposure. Granular activated carbon (GAC) filters and reverse osmosis systems are both proven methods for removing PFAS from drinking water.

Additionally, homeowners should stay informed about any updates to PFAS guidelines in NH and take advantage of state programs that offer support for water testing and filtration.

Setting New Standards for PFAS Safety

The EPA’s updated health advisories and our state’s stringent NH PFAS guidelines reflect the serious health risks of PFAS contamination. As research continues to reveal the dangers of even low-level exposure, the push for safe PFAS levels in NH is critical to protect public health.

By understanding the risks, staying informed, and taking proactive steps such as testing and filtration, New Hampshire residents can reduce their exposure to these harmful chemicals and create a future of cleaner, safer drinking water for themselves and their families.