• EPA reviews drinking water regulations every six years.
• Current rules adequately protect public health.
• No new regulations are recommended at this time.
• Ongoing and recent rule updates are already improving safety.
• Public comments are not being accepted on review results.

August 6, 2024 — The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has completed its latest review of national primary drinking water regulations (NPDWRs) and determined that no new revisions are needed at this time. This review, mandated by the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), occurs every six years to ensure that existing regulations continue to effectively protect public health.  The review was published in the July 23 Federal Register.

Key Points of the Review.

• The purpose of the Review is to evaluate current regulations to determine whether new health effects, treatment technologies, or other factors warrant changes.
• Current Status: Existing regulations are deemed sufficient for protecting public health.
• Recent Actions: Significant revisions have been made recently, and more are underway.
• No New Candidates: The review found no additional regulations needing immediate revision.
• Next Steps: EPA continues to monitor and assess regulations, making adjustments as necessary in future cycles.

Detailed Review Process.

Purpose and Findings: The Six-Year Review process is designed to identify any regulations that may need updates to improve or strengthen public health protection. This involves looking at the latest information on health effects, treatment technologies, and other factors. While the EPA has recently updated several regulations and continues to work on others, the latest review found no new candidates for revision.

Health and Safety Standards: The current NPDWRs cover a range of contaminants, including chemical and microbial pollutants. These regulations set maximum contaminant levels  and treatment techniques to ensure safe drinking water nationwide. The review confirms that these standards remain effective in protecting public health.

Recent Revisions and Ongoing Work: Several recent regulatory actions, such as updates to the Lead and Copper Rule and the introduction of new standards for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS, more commonly known as “forever chemicals”), reflect the EPA’s commitment to maintaining high water quality standards. The ongoing work includes further assessments and potential updates to the Microbial and Disinfection Byproduct Rules.

Public Involvement: While the EPA is not accepting public comments on the current review results, it remains committed to transparency and public health. Interested parties can access detailed review documents and related information through the EPA’s official channels.

Future Outlook: The EPA will continue its regular reviews and updates, ensuring that drinking water regulations keep pace with scientific advancements and emerging health information. The next Six-Year Review will provide another opportunity to reassess and refine the NPDWRs as needed.

For more information, individuals can contact Samuel Hernandez at the EPA’s Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water or visit the EPA’s official website.

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