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EPA Issues Two New PFAS Proposals
On May 20, 2026, the Environmental Protection Agency published two proposed rules related to per- and poly- fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The rulemakings are Federal Register :: Rescission of Regulatory Determinations and Removal of Related Provisions for Four PFAS Substances (PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA (GenX), and the Mixture of These Three PFAS Plus PFBS) (91 FR 29413) and Federal Register :: Extending the Compliance Deadline for the PFOA and PFOS Maximum Contaminant Levels. (91 FR 29425). They were issued in response to concerns of public water systems and the water industry to comply with the Final PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation published on April 26, 2024 (89 FR 32532).
EPA PFAS Rescission Rule: Why Four Substances Are Being Removed
In the “Recission Rule” EPA, under the current administration, argues that regulatory determinations and associated provisions were issued inappropriately by not following EPA’s normal sequential process for developing national primary drinking water regulations. Specifically, EPA should have first made determinations to regulate the three PFASs (PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO–DA (GenX)) and the combination under the Hazard Index plus the fourth PFAS (PFBS) and made the determinations available for public comment, instead of issuing the regulatory determinations and proposed NPDWRs in the same rulemaking.
Impact on PFAS Monitoring Requirements
This action also rescinds the requirement to conduct initial monitoring for the listed PFAS chemicals included in the “Recission Rule”. However, it retains the requirement to monitor for PFOA and PFOS. Results of this latter monitoring must still be reported by April 26, 2027.
EPA Proposes Extended PFOA and PFOS MCL Compliance Deadline to 2031
The “Extension Rule” has a more clear-cut purpose. It proposes to extend the date to comply with the maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) from April 26, 2029 to April 26, 2031.
How Public Water Systems Can Request a Compliance Exemption
The extension will be treated as an exemption that must be requested. Public water systems that do not submit a request will be required to meet the original compliance date. The MCLs established in the Final PFAS Rule of 4.0 ng/L (4.0 ppt) for both PFOA and PFOS are still applicable.
Next Steps for PFAS Proposed Rules
Comments on the proposed rules are due by July 20, 2026. Further instructions can be found at the links above. Watch out for updates on the two rules in future blog posts. SAMS Water will be updated regarding regulatory and compliance requirements once the rules are final.
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About The Author
At NJBSoft, we’re proud to collaborate with experts like Robert Hollander, P.E., whose extensive experience in water quality and regulatory compliance allows us to design SAMS in order to meet industry needs. Bob’s leadership and deep industry knowledge supports utilities in staying organized, compliant, and focused on protecting public health every day.
Robert Hollander
- 45 years of experience in water quality, regulatory compliance, and utility management
- President of Hollander Consulting Services
- Held senior roles at the City of Peoria, City of Phoenix, and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality
- Served as President of the AZ Water Association and the Western Coalition of Arid States
- Licensed Professional Engineer in Arizona with multiple Grade 3 operator certifications
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