The short version.
The 2024 limits for PFOA and PFOS of 4.0 parts per trillion each are unchanged. In May 2026, EPA proposed (1) letting eligible water systems apply for up to two more years, to 2031, to meet them, and (2) rescinding the rules for four other PFAS. Both comment periods closed July 20, 2026. EPA's pages, last updated Oct 8, 2026, still describe both as proposed.
How we got here.
A national estimate of PFAS in tap water Published
From samples at 716 locations (2016–2021, private wells and public supplies), USGS estimates that at least 45% of the nation's tap water could have one or more types of PFAS. The study tested for 32 of the more than 12,000 types.
USGS news release · an estimate, not a count of taps
First national PFAS drinking-water standard Final
EPA finalized legally enforceable limits for several PFAS, with compliance required by April 2029. EPA's stated reason:
"Exposure to PFAS has been linked to deadly cancers, impacts to the liver and heart, and immune and developmental damage to infants and children."
2029 compliance date: background section of EPA, Proposed PFAS Rescission Rule
New strategy, plus two proposed rules Proposal
EPA announced nearly $1 billion in grant funding for PFAS and other emerging contaminants in drinking water, and two proposed rules.
More time for PFOA and PFOS, same limits Proposal
Eligible systems could "request two additional years - to 2031" to comply. EPA says the extension would not be automatic: systems would have to apply and meet criteria, and others would keep the 2029 deadline. The limits would "remain 4.0 parts per trillion (ppt) each."
EPA, Proposed PFOA and PFOS Compliance Extension Rule · May 18, 2026 release
Rescinding rules for four other PFAS Proposal
EPA proposed rescinding its regulations for PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA (known as GenX) and Hazard Index mixtures that include PFBS. EPA says the reason is a procedural problem in how those rules were made, not a new finding about health. EPA also says it will evaluate additional PFAS for possible future regulation, which it says could lead to more stringent requirements.
Public comment closed on both proposals Pending
As of Oct 9, 2026, EPA's pages still describe both rules as proposed. A final rule could keep, change or drop either one.
What this does not mean.
- that PFAS are in your water, or at what level; only testing of your water can show that
- that 45% of taps contain PFAS; the USGS figure is a national estimate
- that the 2024 limits have been loosened; the proposals are not final
- that the four PFAS in Proposal 2 are safe; EPA's stated reason is procedural
Rules can change. Check the EPA pages linked here for the current status before relying on this summary.
- EPA · Biden-Harris Administration Finalizes First-Ever National Drinking Water Standard to Protect 100M People from PFAS PollutionPublished Apr 10, 2024 · quote + summary · Last checked Oct 9, 2026
- EPA · EPA Advances Comprehensive PFAS Strategy with Legally Defensible, Practical, Scientifically Sound Drinking Water ProtectionsPublished May 18, 2026 · summary · Last checked Oct 9, 2026
- EPA · Proposed PFOA and PFOS Compliance Extension RuleProposed May 18, 2026 · page updated Oct 8, 2026 · quotes + summary · Last checked Oct 9, 2026
- EPA · Proposed PFAS Rescission RuleProposed May 18, 2026 · page updated Oct 8, 2026 · summary · Last checked Oct 9, 2026
- USGS · Tap water study detects PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ across the USPublished Jul 5, 2023 · summary (estimate) · Last checked Oct 9, 2026
Plain-English summaries are ours. Words in quotation marks were checked word for word against the agency page on Oct 9, 2026. Links go to the agency's own site. EPA and USGS do not endorse this site or any product. This is general education, not medical advice.