John,

A toxic chemical that can damage the brain development of fetuses and children may be in the drinking water consumed by millions of Americans.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) just proposed limiting the presence of this chemical in drinking water supplies nationwide, but the limit needs to be stronger to fully protect public health.1

There's no reason why perchlorate -- a chemical commonly used in rocket fuel -- should be flowing unregulated through drinking water supplies. We're calling on the EPA to take this risk seriously and institute strong regulations that will help keep our communities safe.

Tell the EPA: We don't want rocket fuel in our drinking water.

Exposure to perchlorate has been linked to impeded brain development -- the chemical has been associated with "measurable drops" in the IQ of exposed newborns, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.2

By taking action to prevent perchlorate from contaminating our water, the EPA would be protecting children from this toxic threat.

Perchlorate from runoff may contaminate the drinking water of as many as 16 million Americans. Especially high concentrations have been measured in water supplies near military bases, due to the presence of the chemical in rocket fuel and other explosives.3

Common sense tells us that rocket fuel does not belong in our drinking water. But unless we speak up now, the EPA could move forward with weak limits that don't do enough to keep this toxic hazard out of our water.

We're calling on the EPA to protect Americans from toxic perchlorate: Add your name.

The EPA has monitored perchlorate levels in the past and several states have set local drinking water standards, thanks in part to the work of Environment Colorado and our national network.4

All Americans should be able to trust the safety of their drinking water. There's no reason why rocket fuel anywhere should pose a threat to an infant's brain development.

The Environmental Protection Agency should be keeping us safe from health threats in the environment -- this includes rocket-fuel runoff in our water supply. The agency is accepting public comments until March 9.

Tell the EPA: Children deserve clean drinking water.

Thank you,

Ellen Montgomery

1. Joe Beletti-Naccarato and Benjamin Dario, "EPA's New Regulatory Agenda: Large Changes Coming to PFAS, Waste Management, Water, and Climate Regulations," The National Law Review, September 22, 2025.
2. Ellen Knickmeyer, "EPA drops regulation for contaminant linked to infant brain damage," PBS News, June 18, 2020.
3. Lisa Friedman, "EPA Decides Against Limiting Perchlorate in Drinking Water," The New York Times, March 31, 2022.
4. Miranda Willson, "EPA advances water rule targeted rocket-fuel toxin," E&E News, November 7, 2025.