The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Assistant Administrator for Water, Jess Kramer, has announced the launch of a new initiative called PFAS OUTreach, or PFAS OUT. This initiative aims to support communities and water systems in reducing exposure to PFOA and PFOS in drinking water, ahead of upcoming federal regulatory requirements. The effort is part of the EPA's broader goal of addressing PFAS contamination.
"Protecting Americans from exposure to PFAS in drinking water is a priority for the EPA," said Jess Kramer. "Through PFAS OUT, the EPA will work to help water systems take steps to reduce exposure to PFOA and PFOS, addressing these well-studied contaminants with known health impacts."
PFAS OUT is designed to provide resources, including funding and technical assistance, to drinking water systems dealing with PFAS contamination. It offers location-specific support, such as webinars, to help water systems access available resources.
The initiative is expected to engage approximately 3,000 water systems across the U.S. that have known PFAS challenges, representing around 2% of the nation's water systems. All water systems will have access to PFAS OUT resources and can seek technical assistance through EPA's RealWaterTA program.
Particularly, small, rural, and disadvantaged water systems, which often have fewer resources, will be supported through PFAS OUT to help them address contamination issues and prepare for future regulatory compliance.
The initiative is part of the EPA’s ongoing efforts to collaborate with states, utilities, and local partners in finding science-based solutions to protect public health.
