Hi ,
The water supply in dozens of Pennsylvania communities are contaminated by PFAS – “forever chemicals” that often lead to serious illnesses, including cancer.
Countless families have been forced to buy drinking water – or choose between buying water that’s safe to drink and pay their bills – because Pennsylvania only recently took action to decrease the allowable levels of PFAS chemicals.
And now, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking action, too.
The EPA has proposed strict limitations on the amount of PFAS that can be allowed in drinking water. These regulations would complement our state's recent efforts in tackling this issue. It is crucial that we rally behind the EPA’s tough rules because water suppliers are already pushing back against these regulations.
The American Chemistry Council, which represents chemical manufacturers, and the American Water Works Association, an organization that represents water utilities, both look at cost as a reason not to implement strict standards that will protect U.S. households. The EPA estimated the total costs would range from $772 million to $1.2 billion annually for these changes, while the economic benefits would range from $908 million to $1.2 billion in profits each year for the companies positioning to shift the cost onto ratepayers.
Please send a message during their open comment period to show your strong support for the toughest limits on dangerous PFAS chemicals possible.
These forever chemicals work their way into our water supplies through four major sources: fire training/fire response sites, industrial sites, landfills, and wastewater treatment plants/biosolids. When products containing these chemicals are used or spilled onto the ground or into lakes and rivers, they enter into our drinking water supplies. Additionally, PFAS particles in the air can end up in rivers and lakes used for drinking water.
When these chemicals get into our bodies, they can lead to liver damage, asthma, increased risk of thyroid disease, decreased fertility, and developmental issues in fetuses and infants.
Water with toxic PFAS affects people differently, but we know that age, how long a person has been exposed to it, and overall health make a difference, which means that it disproportionately affects people of color, low-income families, and individuals with disabilities because they are at a greater risk of health disparities due to other environmental injustices.
The deadline for submitting comments is May 31, which means we have limited time to act. The more people who speak up, the better chance we have of the EPA putting its tough standards in place without delay.
Thanks for all you do for our movement,
Jess Cadorette
Field Director
Conservation Voters of PA
