John,

Safe drinking water is a human right – it’s non-negotiable. We shouldn’t have to worry about whether our water is safe to drink. 

But since the 1970s, the federal government has slashed funding for water infrastructure, endangering the health of people everywhere – especially children’s health.

Toxic chemicals called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) — used in things like nonstick products and firefighting foams — have contaminated water supplies across the country. But the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) only recently announced that over the next two years, it will set enforceable drinking water limits on toxic PFOA and PFOS – the two most studied PFAS compounds. Finally the EPA is ready to designate them as hazardous substances and hold polluters accountable for the worst contamination. 

While that’s a long-overdue first step, we need to make sure the EPA meets its deadlines and goes even further to protect our water and public health.

Thankfully, there’s legislation to do just that: Urge your senators to address the public health threat of PFAS contamination by supporting the PFAS Action Act of 2021 and the WATER Act.

We also need to ensure that public water systems have the resources necessary to comply with new water quality regulations. The Water Affordability, Transparency, Equity and Reliability (WATER) Act would restore the federal government’s commitment to our nation’s drinking water and wastewater infrastructure with long-term, sustainable funding for safe, clean water. It would also provide funding for states, localities and households to take real action to get PFAS, lead and other toxic substances out of water.

The PFAS Action Act, which already passed the House, would ensure the EPA hits urgent deadlines to set enforceable limits on PFOA and PFOS in drinking water, and designate them hazardous substances. It would also:

• Require the EPA to limit the industrial discharge of PFAS
• Provide $200 million annually for wastewater treatment
• Require PFAS health testing
• List PFAS as hazardous air pollutants

Send your message: Tell your senators to support the PFAS Action Act and the WATER Act.

The EPA estimates we need at least $744 billion to upgrade our drinking water and wastewater systems over the next 20 years. Nothing short of that will help us meet this challenge. 

It's time to address this huge threat to our drinking water. Urge your senators to stop waiting for the EPA and pass the PFAS Action Act and the WATER Act.

Onward, 

Mary Grant 
Public Water For All Campaign Director 
Food & Water Action