EPA proposes opt-in PFAS compliance extension—hearing July 7, comments due July 20

The EPA has proposed an opt-in option for some public drinking water systems to request extra time to meet enforceable federal limits for two PFAS chemicals: PFOA and PFOS. Under the proposal, the MCLs stay in place—but the federal timeline for eligible systems could shift to April 26, 2031.

For utilities and state regulators, the practical question is whether a system can qualify for the opt-in “federal exemption framework,” and what duties could apply during the longer compliance period. For households, the key watch item is whether local notices and consumer reports reflect an extension request and any interim mitigation steps.

What EPA is proposing—and what it is not changing

EPA says the proposal would let eligible public water systems request two additional years to comply with the enforceable PFOA/PFOS drinking-water limits. The proposal is designed to keep the legal limits the same.

Under the 2024 PFAS national drinking water rule, the federal maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) are 4.0 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA and PFOS. EPA’s proposal addresses compliance timing, not removal or lowering of those limits.

How the opt-in would work (eligibility and timing)

EPA describes a “federal exemption framework” that would apply to systems in states, territories, and Tribes that have not obtained primacy for the PFOA and PFOS MCLs. Eligible systems could request and obtain a federal exemption that would extend the compliance schedule to April 26, 2031.

In the Federal Register notice, EPA lays out the compliance “exemption period” as running from April 26, 2029 through April 26, 2031, with the compliance schedule set for April 26, 2031 for systems covered by the federal exemption.

What could change during the extension (interim expectations)

EPA’s proposal is also about protecting public health during the longer federal timeline. EPA says that if a system has a PFOA or PFOS sample result at or above 12 ppt, it would be required to implement short-term mitigation actions during the exemption period to reduce exposure for consumers.

The Federal Register notice describes these interim obligations as interim control measures that a system would have to select and implement as a condition of the exemption if its sampling results meet the 12 ppt threshold—covering the exemption period from April 26, 2029 through April 26, 2031.

Who is affected—and what households should watch for locally

This proposal primarily affects three groups:

• Eligible water utilities that may need more time for capital work, financing, or compliance planning.
• State drinking-water regulators (primacy agencies) that coordinate implementation once EPA’s final action is set.
• Households who rely on public systems that could seek the exemption.

EPA emphasizes that systems granted an exemption would have to notify the people they serve. Households should look for provider notices and consumer confidence reporting that explain whether an exemption is in place and what interim steps the system says it is taking.

Deadlines and what comes next

EPA accepted written comments until July 20, 2026. EPA held a virtual public hearing on July 7, 2026.

Because this is a proposed rule, not a final one, key implementation details—especially eligibility criteria and the interim mitigation/control-measure requirements—could be refined after EPA reviews public comments.

Sources

• EPA: Proposed PFOA and PFOS Compliance Extension Rule (page with hearing/comment details)
• Federal Register: Extending the Compliance Deadline for the PFOA and PFOS Maximum Contaminant Levels (proposed rule notice)