The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a series of major initiatives to tackle PFAS contamination, marking significant progress in ensuring safer water and healthier communities nationwide.
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin highlighted the agency’s accomplishments during the first year of the Trump Administration, emphasising a comprehensive strategy combining science, enforcement, and community outreach.
Speaking on the nation’s progress in fighting PFAS countrywide, Zeldin commented: “Keeping Americans safe from the risks of PFAS chemicals has been a top priority of mine dating back to my time in Congress.
“At the Trump EPA, we are focused on real results to protect families, farmers, and small businesses. That means locating PFAS, preventing it from getting into drinking water, cleaning it up where it’s already a problem, and holding polluters accountable.
“These efforts are just the start of the work we will do on PFAS contamination to ensure ALL Americans have the cleanest air, land, and water.”
PFAS: The hidden risk in everyday life
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are artificial chemicals widely used for more than 70 years in products like non-stick cookware, food packaging, stain-resistant fabrics, and firefighting foam.
They are highly persistent in the environment, and some have been linked to health risks with long-term exposure.
Reducing exposure to PFAS has become a cornerstone of the Trump Administration’s Make America Healthy Again agenda, combining community action, advanced research, and regulatory oversight to safeguard public health.
Launching PFAS OUTreach initiative to strengthen community response
The EPA’s PFAS OUTreach (PFAS OUT) Initiative connects public water systems in need of upgrades with technical experts and local leaders.
The programme specifically targets communities discovering PFOA and PFOS, two of the most studied PFAS compounds, in their water.
By coordinating with municipal, state, Tribal, and territorial authorities, PFAS OUT aims to provide practical solutions to reduce exposure and improve water quality where it is needed most.
In addition, the EPA has allocated $945m to assist communities in mitigating PFAS risks, demonstrating a strong commitment to turning policy into tangible action.
Expanding detection and research for safer water
Central to combating PFAS contamination is the EPA’s expansion of testing capabilities. The agency has developed methods to detect up to 40 PFAS compounds in diverse environments, including wastewater, surface water, groundwater, soil, sludge, sediment, landfill liquids, and even fish tissue.
These advanced techniques allow for early detection and informed responses to contamination threats.
The EPA also employs both targeted and non-targeted testing approaches, enabling scientists to measure known PFAS chemicals accurately while discovering previously unidentified compounds. This dual approach strengthens the reliability of data used to guide cleanup and regulatory decisions.
Strengthening regulations and oversight
The agency has proposed updates to PFAS reporting under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), streamlining requirements while ensuring critical safety data is collected.
Simultaneously, National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (NPDWR) are being revised for PFOA and PFOS to protect public health, accompanied by realistic compliance timelines to support successful implementation.
EPA has also reaffirmed the hazardous substance listing of PFOA and PFOS under CERCLA, enabling stronger enforcement and cleanup measures at contaminated sites.
Updates to the PFAS Destruction and Disposal Guidance now occur annually, reflecting the agency’s commitment to keeping pace with evolving treatment technologies.
Local actions to address PFAS contamination
The EPA has implemented concrete measures to reduce exposure at the community level. Highlights include:
- Installation of 108 Point of Entry Treatment water systems and provision of bottled water to nearly 200 residents near the Route 31 Sludge Superfund site in New Jersey.
- Completion of four PFAS treatment systems in Southern California, protecting over 9,500 households in Irvine Ranch and Orange County.
- Enforcement actions requiring PFAS foam removal and system cleaning at Brunswick Executive Airport, Maine.
- PFAS well sampling initiatives at military sites, including Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and Joint Base Lewis-McChord, with agreements to connect residences to municipal water systems when contamination exceeds safe standards.
These local interventions demonstrate the EPA’s focus on protecting both everyday citizens and sensitive populations from PFAS risks.
Coordinated federal efforts for comprehensive protection
EPA is establishing an internal coordinating group to bring together senior leaders across programme offices and regions. This ensures that research, innovation, and cleanup actions are shared efficiently and applied consistently nationwide.
The agency uses its broad authority under multiple environmental laws, including the Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, and Superfund law, to prevent and remediate PFAS contamination.
From regulating new chemicals to enforcing cleanups at contaminated sites, EPA’s science-driven approach prioritises human health and environmental protection.
Looking ahead: Continuous innovation and outreach
The EPA plans to expand PFAS testing, improve treatment technologies, and strengthen enforcement actions in collaboration with local municipalities and the private sector.
These efforts aim to provide practical solutions to contamination challenges and ensure access to clean air, water, and soil for all Americans.
Through ongoing research, rigorous testing, and coordinated federal efforts, the EPA is demonstrating that tackling PFAS contamination requires both scientific precision and community-focused action.
