Hosted by the US Environmental Protection Agency
1. PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation: Initial Monitoring Requirements and EPA-State Implementation Workgroup
As the PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation was being finalized in April of 2024, OGWDW initiated an EPA-State Implementation Workgroup to collaborate on the development of implementation products. The workgroup consists of 11 states and territories, all 10 EPA regions and ASDWA. The charge for the workgroup is to identify and prioritize needed PFAS implementation products, including training, and provide input and review of these products. Early focus for the workgroup has been on products to support the development of primacy revision application packages and extension agreements, and requirements for initial monitoring. The presentation will close by discussing the initial monitoring products highlighting the PFAS rule requirements, and flexibility to help ensure successful completion of this requirement by the start of compliance monitoring in April of 2027. James Hogan, EPA Office of Water.
2. EPA Drinking Water PFAS Analytical Methods and the PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation
Recently, U. S. governments at various levels have proposed or implemented regulatory programs for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contaminants in drinking water, including the April 2024 U.S. EPA release of the PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (NPDWR). To meet these regulatory compliance requirements, laboratories must use analytical methods that can accurately and precisely measure PFAS. The development of these analytical methods includes quantitation of PFAS at concentrations that meet the needs of the regulatory programs and also attempting to minimize burden and sources of error associated with the methods while still meeting quality control criteria appropriate for drinking water methods. The U.S. EPA Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water (OGWDW) and Office of Research and Development (ORD) have a history of drinking water analytical method development for both regulated and unregulated contaminants, including the PFAS EPA Methods 533 and 537.1. This presentation focuses on these EPA PFAS drinking water analytical methods and their use within the recently promulgated final PFAS NPDWR. Will Adams, EPA Office of Water.
3. Implementing a Proactive PFAS Program Using "Emerging Contaminants in Small or Disadvantaged Communities" Grant Funding
Through the Emerging Contaminants in Small or Disadvantaged Communities (ES-SDC) Grant Program, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is assisting communities with cost-effective, appropriate and sustainable approaches for removing PFAS from drinking water. These may include well rehabilitation or a new water source, interconnection or consolidation, or, as a last resort, treatment. To further assist small or disadvantaged communities receiving this assistance, ADEQ is reducing barriers to utilize these funds by contracting directly with design engineers and construction contractors leveraging state contracts. This presentation will discuss these processes, lessons learned and the status of current projects funded through this grant. It will also provide an overview of future technical tools to be developed, including PFAS cost models and guidance on PFAS treatment residual disposal options, and information about where states can find these resources for their own use. Sara Konrad, Arizona Department of Environmental Quality.
4. Broad-Spectrum PFAS Study to Characterize the Class of PFAS in California
The California State Water Resources Control Board, in collaboration with the U.S. EPA Regional Office of Research and Development, conducted a per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) method comparison study to evaluate the presence of unknown PFAS that have been detected in California’s drinking water. The method comparison study included the collection of samples from nine public water supply wells. Samples were analyzed using a suite of broad-spectrum analytical techniques including adsorbable organic fluorine (AOF) by combustion ion chromatography (CIC) (AOF-CIC), extractable organic fluorine (EOF) by CIC (EOF-CIC), non-targeted analysis (NTA) using high-resolution mass spectrometry, and other techniques that are primarily available through academic partnerships. In addition to field sample analysis, the study evaluated the fate of analytical reference materials in AOF-CIC and EOF-CIC. This represented a range of organic fluorine compounds including ultrashort-chain, volatile, and cationic PFAS at various concentrations. The results of the study indicate that AOF-CIC captured a broad organic fluorine chemical space while also minimizing interference from inorganic fluorine compounds. The study also identified other analytical methods that are useful to further characterize PFAS chemical space in environmental samples. The results of this study support a multi-year effort to sample nearly 4,000 public water supply wells serving disadvantaged communities that will be analyzed for targeted PFAS, AOF-CIC, and supplemental analyses including NTA and ultrashort-chain PFAS. Ultimately, the goal is to develop a monitoring program for community public water systems that account for the class of PFAS and assess the health impacts of those PFAS not being removed by conventional treatment technologies. Erica Kalve, California Water Resources Control Board.
5. Communicating Risks and Engaging Communities on PFAS
This presentation will discuss how the Minnesota Department of Health has worked with public water systems, communities, and staff to support risk communication about PFAS in drinking water. Approaches and strategies used for public meeting planning, staff training, messaging, and education and outreach will be covered. The presentation will also touch on the resources developed to increase awareness and understanding among consumers on the contaminants, their levels in drinking water, and their health risks. Alycia Overbo, Minnesota Department of Health.