Trump EPA Weakens PFAS Drinking Water Limits: Impact on ‘Forever Chemicals’ Exposure in 2025

Are you concerned about the safety of your drinking water? You’re not alone. Millions of Americans are potentially exposed to harmful levels of PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” in their drinking water. In fact, studies show that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has detected PFAS in the blood of 99 percent of Americans, including newborn babies. This widespread contamination has led to significant concerns about the potential health risks, especially in light of recent regulatory changes.

This blog post delves into the implications of the Trump administration’s decision to weaken PFAS drinking water limits and what it means for your exposure to these dangerous chemicals in 2025.

Understanding PFAS: The “Forever Chemicals”

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of over 10,000 man-made chemicals used in a wide array of consumer and industrial products since the 1950s. They’re called “forever chemicals” because they contain strong molecular bonds that resist breaking down in the environment. This durability, while useful in manufacturing, leads to serious environmental and health consequences.

How are we exposed to PFAS?

Drinking Water: PFAS can contaminate water sources through industrial discharge, firefighting foam, and other sources.
Food: PFAS can accumulate in food, especially seafood, and can also leach from food packaging.
Household Products: Many everyday items like non-stick cookware, carpets, and textiles contain PFAS.
Air: PFAS can spread through the air, especially near industrial sites.

Why are PFAS harmful?

Exposure to PFAS has been linked to a range of health problems, including:

Certain cancers (kidney, testicular, liver, thyroid)
Immune system dysfunction
Liver damage
Thyroid disease
Ulcerative colitis
Reproductive and developmental issues (reduced fertility, low birth weight)
Increased cholesterol levels

The EPA’s Role in Regulating PFAS

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for setting and enforcing drinking water standards to protect public health. In April 2024, the EPA under the Biden Administration established the first-ever national, legally enforceable drinking water standards for six PFAS:

PFOA and PFOS: 4 parts per trillion (ppt) each
GenX, PFNA, and PFHxS: 10 ppt each
A Hazard Index for mixtures of GenX, PFBS, PFNA, and PFHxS

These regulations required public water systems to monitor for these PFAS and reduce their levels if they exceeded the limits. Water systems were given until 2029 to comply.

Trump EPA’s Rollback: Weakening Protections

However, in 2025, the Trump administration announced plans to roll back key parts of these regulations. The EPA intends to:

Rescind the limits for four PFAS: PFHxS, PFNA, GenX, and PFBS.
Extend the compliance deadline for PFOA and PFOS to 2031.

This decision has sparked significant controversy, with public health advocates expressing outrage and concern that it will lead to increased exposure to these harmful chemicals.

Why the Rollback?

The Trump administration argues that the original compliance deadlines were too aggressive and that the extension would provide “common-sense flexibility” for water systems, particularly small and rural communities, to address PFAS contamination. They also claim that rescinding the limits for certain PFAS is necessary to ensure that the regulations follow the legal process outlined in the Safe Drinking Water Act.

However, critics argue that the rollback is a victory for chemical companies and water utilities who feared the high costs of compliance. They contend that it prioritizes economic interests over public health and will leave millions of Americans vulnerable to the harmful effects of PFAS.

Impact on Public Health and Legal Implications

The weakening of PFAS drinking water limits has several significant implications:

Increased Exposure: Millions of people could be exposed to higher levels of PFAS in their drinking water, increasing their risk of developing related health problems.
Disproportionate Impact: Communities with already contaminated water sources and limited resources may be disproportionately affected.
Legal Challenges: The EPA’s decision is likely to face legal challenges from environmental groups and affected communities. Earthjustice, representing community groups, has already denounced the move as illegal and cynical.
State-Level Actions: Some states have already established their own PFAS limits, which may be stricter than the federal standards. However, in areas where state limits are weaker or non-existent, the federal rollback could have a significant impact.

What You Can Do to Protect Yourself

While the regulatory landscape for PFAS is uncertain, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your family:

Test Your Water: If you rely on a private well or are concerned about your public water supply, consider testing your water for PFAS.
Install a Water Filter: Use a certified water filter that is effective at removing PFAS. Look for filters that meet NSF/ANSI standards for PFAS reduction.
Advocate for Stronger Regulations: Contact your elected officials and urge them to support stronger PFAS regulations at the federal and state levels.
Limit Exposure from Other Sources: Be mindful of PFAS in household products and food packaging. Choose PFAS-free alternatives whenever possible.

Legal Options for PFAS Exposure

If you have been exposed to PFAS and have developed health problems, you may have legal options. Companies responsible for PFAS contamination may be held liable for negligence, misrepresentation, and failure to properly manage these chemicals.

Potential Legal Actions:

Personal Injury Claims: Individuals who have been diagnosed with illnesses linked to PFAS exposure may file personal injury claims to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Class Action Lawsuits: Class action lawsuits may be filed on behalf of groups of people who have been exposed to PFAS through contaminated water supplies or other sources.
Water Contamination Claims: Property owners may file claims for the costs of testing, treatment, and monitoring related to PFAS contamination of their water supplies.

Ongoing Litigation:

There is extensive ongoing litigation related to PFAS contamination, including a multi-district litigation (MDL) in South Carolina involving claims related to firefighting foam. Settlements in these cases have reached billions of dollars.

The Future of PFAS Regulation

The fight over PFAS regulation is far from over. As more research emerges about the health risks of these chemicals and the extent of contamination, pressure will continue to mount on regulators to take action.

Key Issues to Watch:

EPA’s Response to Legal Challenges: How the EPA defends its rollback of PFAS regulations in court will be crucial.
State-Level Actions: States will continue to play a key role in regulating PFAS, especially in the absence of strong federal standards.
Technological Advancements: The development of new and more effective PFAS treatment technologies could make it easier and more affordable for water systems to comply with stricter regulations.

Conclusion

The Trump EPA’s decision to weaken PFAS drinking water limits is a setback for public health and environmental protection. By understanding the risks of PFAS exposure and taking proactive steps to protect yourself and your community, you can make a difference in the fight against these “forever chemicals.”

If you are concerned about PFAS contamination in your drinking water or have been affected by PFAS exposure, contact our firm today for a consultation. We can help you understand your legal options and fight for the compensation you deserve.