EPA Weakens "Forever Chemical" Rules, Arizona Gets Millions

Arizona will receive $20 million in federal funds to combat PFAS, or "forever chemicals," and other contaminants in the drinking water of small or disadvantaged communities. This funding arrives as the U.S. EPA announced its intention to loosen federal limits on six of these hazardous substances, a change from standards set two years prior. The appropriation is part of a national $1 billion annual allocation for PFAS and emerging contaminants, marking the final year of this specific grant. Environmental and public health groups have voiced concerns, arguing the regulatory rollback could increase community risks. Conversely, the EPA administrator stated that previous rules were rushed and might not withstand legal challenges. The chemical industry and manufacturers had sued, citing prohibitive compliance costs.

Concerns over PFAS contamination are growing, with long-term exposure linked to severe health issues such as cancer and reproductive disorders. Arizona has seen at least 70 public water systems detect PFAS above the federal limit. The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has been testing drinking water for these chemicals since 2018. Many affected water systems are located near industrial sites or military facilities where PFAS-containing firefighting foam was used. Treating water for PFAS is significantly more expensive than for other contaminants, with cities like Tucson investing heavily in testing and treatment infrastructure. Innovative treatment technologies are being explored, but rural communities face considerable challenges.

In response to contamination, ADEQ has worked to connect small water systems, like those serving mobile home parks outside Globe, to municipal supplies, completing a $1 million project early this year. This approach has helped avoid passing costs directly to consumers. The EPA estimates that bringing all U.S. water systems into compliance could cost over $1.5 billion annually, with associated health costs potentially reaching $8 billion per year. While the original deadline for reducing PFAS was 2029, the EPA's proposed rules may extend compliance deadlines to 2031 for certain chemicals.