The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a new initiative aimed at reducing exposure to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and other emerging contaminants in small or disadvantaged communities. This effort is part of the EPA’s Water Technical Assistance (WaterTA) program.
The Tackling Emerging Contaminants initiative will assist eligible public drinking-water systems in evaluating contaminant issues, conducting initial water quality testing, and determining subsequent actions in 200 small or disadvantaged communities over the next three years. The EPA plans to disseminate best practices and successes through various resources such as case studies, fact sheets, webinars, among others.
“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is providing a focused opportunity to help small and disadvantaged communities address PFAS and emerging contaminants to ensure that drinking water is clean and safe for residents,” stated EPA Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator for Water Bruno Pigott. “By working hand-in-hand with local partners, the Tackling Emerging Contaminants initiative will help ensure that historically underserved areas have access to safer drinking water that is essential for healthy and vibrant communities.”
President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has allocated $50 billion towards improving water infrastructure nationwide. Of this amount, $5 billion is specifically earmarked for the Emerging Contaminants in Small or Disadvantaged Communities (EC-SDC) grant program, which supports this latest technical-assistance initiative.
EPA’s free water technical assistance initiatives aim to help communities identify their water challenges, develop plans, build capacity, and prepare application materials to access federal funding. The Tackling Emerging Contaminants initiative includes diagnostic water quality sampling and analysis, source water assessment, preliminary treatment design evaluations, operational training, sampling training, community engagement support, and solutions for addressing PFAS contamination.
In April 2024, the EPA issued the PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation to protect communities from harmful PFAS exposure. These chemicals have been linked to health issues such as certain cancers, liver disease, heart disease, immune system damage, and developmental harm in infants and children.
Further information about the new Tackling Emerging Contaminants initiative can be found on EPA’s WaterTA website.
