Preparing for PFAS Drinking Water Regulation

Drinking water systems nationwide are preparing for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s new PFAS drinking water regulations. By the end of 2027, all systems must complete initial compliance monitoring. By the end of 2029, those with PFAS contamination must take action to meet EPA’s maximum contaminant levels. Successful implementation of and compliance with these regulations may be especially challenging for small and rural systems that are impacted by PFAS but lack the expertise and resources needed to leverage available funding, identify affordable and workable solutions, and successfully navigate new and complex requirements. Regulators and funding agencies need practical tools and support targeted towards these systems.

ERG has been providing coordinated, capacity-building technical assistance to help federal agencies, Tribes, and states prepare drinking water systems to meet the new PFAS regulatory requirements. Our support has included:

• PFAS sampling and analysis, including drinking water monitoring in U.S. National Parks; targeted sampling at drinking water systems in the Pacific Islands and several states; sampling near potential PFAS sources across Arizona and at manufacturing, processing, and disposal sites throughout the United States; and conducting PFAS compliance sampling at Tribal drinking water systems throughout EPA Region 6.
• Tailored regulator training for New Mexico’s Environment Department staff to strengthen technical understanding and implementation of PFAS regulatory requirements.
• PFAS strategy development to turn occurrence data into action by engaging stakeholders, aligning regulatory planning, and connecting communities to funding and support.
• Technical assistance for small systems through EPA’s WaterTA and Compliance Advisor programs, under which ERG’s licensed operators deliver hands-on support with tools, templates, and standard operating procedures.
• Operator training (for which participants receive continuing education hours) that builds from PFAS basics to regulatory requirements (UCMR5, federal and state rules) and treatment technologies, including case studies.
• Technical, managerial, and financial capacity development through hands-on assistance, training, and development of tools, including EPA’s Small Community Assistance Planning Tool, which helps small systems prepare asset inventories, plan capital improvements, and build budgets to strengthen eligibility for federal funding. 

By equipping regulators and operators with actionable tools and strategies, ERG continues to help Tribes, states, and drinking water systems build organizational capacity to address PFAS challenges and protect public health.