On Tuesday, March 14, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced draft Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) as a critical step toward reducing Americans’ exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) through drinking water. According to a Hastings News Release, the EPA proposes limiting two types of PFAS (PFOA and PFOS) to 4 parts per trillion, which is the lowest level that can be reliably measured at this time. The limits are expected to be finalized in late 2023 or early 2024. Several PFAS chemicals (including both PFOA and PFOS) are present in all six Hastings City wells, with measures ranging from 0.16 to 0.84, but do not exceed current MDH guidance values, as determined by a Health Risk Index of 1.0. A Health Risk Index greater than 1.0 is given a drinking water advisory by the MDH. To learn more about PFAS in Hastings, visit the City’s PFAS webpage.[v:NNews Department2023 3_MarCompleteCNS_17_R_Has_EPASetsPrelimPFASThresholds_62.mp3]
