EPA proposes two-year PFOA/PFOS compliance extension; comments due July 20

EPA has opened a public-comment period on a proposed two-year compliance extension option for some drinking-water systems working to meet legally enforceable PFAS limits for PFOA and PFOS. Under the proposal, eligible systems could extend compliance to April 26, 2031 while keeping the underlying MCLs in place. The public comment deadline is July 20, 2026.

For residents, the practical question is whether your local water provider—working with its state regulator—would pursue the extension and, if so, what additional interim steps and public notifications you should expect during the added time.

What EPA is proposing for PFOA and PFOS

EPA’s proposal would give certain public water systems a two-year compliance extension related to meeting enforceable drinking-water maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for PFOA and PFOS. EPA frames this as a change in timing—not a removal of the underlying enforceable limits. The MCL targets remain the same during the extension period.

The key dates in this round

• July 7, 2026: EPA held a virtual public hearing on proposed PFAS-related Safe Drinking Water Act actions.
• July 20, 2026: Public comments are due.

After EPA reviews the comments, the agency could decide whether and how to finalize the proposal.

What changes during the extension period

If a system were eligible and pursued the extension, EPA’s materials describe additional obligations during the added time. The extension would not be a “pause” with no interim action.

According to EPA’s proposal materials, systems would be expected to focus on:

• Monitoring and reporting tied to the PFOA/PFOS requirements.
• Interim “control measures”—steps intended to reduce risk while the system works toward full compliance.
• Customer-facing notice steps so residents are informed about relevant conditions during the extension period.

EPA also says it would place extra emphasis on interim expectations when a system’s most recent results are at or above 12 ppt (as described in EPA’s supporting materials).

Who is involved (and what residents should watch for)

This is a federal rulemaking proposal, but implementation would run through EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Act framework and state “primacy” agencies. Local water systems would handle the day-to-day monitoring, reporting, and resident communications required by the extension terms if granted.

What to watch next:

• Utility notices and updates: Look for communications that reference interim control measures, monitoring timelines, or updated customer information.
• State agency messages: States may translate federal proposals into specific oversight expectations for systems in their jurisdiction.
• EPA’s final decision: Because this is not final, the compliance extension option could change after EPA considers public comments.

How the public can weigh in

EPA is accepting comments on the proposed compliance extension rule, with a July 20, 2026 deadline. EPA directs submissions through the method and public-comment instructions linked on its proposal page.

Residents don’t need technical details to participate. Comments can focus on whether the interim monitoring, control measures, and customer notification steps EPA proposes would adequately protect public health during any added compliance time.

Sources

• EPA proposed rule page: “Proposed PFOA and PFOS Compliance Extension Rule” (comment deadline, hearing info, and Q&A)
• Federal Register (May 20, 2026): “Extending the Compliance Deadline for the PFOA and PFOS Maximum Contaminant Levels” (proposed rule text and dates)

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