Background
In 2019, the Vermont legislature passed Act 21 requiring all public community and non-transient non-community drinking water systems to monitor for PFAS. The interim standard for the 5 regulated compounds—PFHpA, PFHxS, PFNA, PFOS, and PFOA—is 20 ppt.
The EPA has not yet set federal standards for PFAS in drinking water.
Resources
VT DEC: PFAS webpage
VT DEC: PFAS Response Plan
EPA: Treating PFAS in Drinking Water
EPA: Drinking Water Health Advisories for PFOA and PFOS
National Rural Water Association: Is Your System Being Affected by PFAS?
Lawsuit against PFAS manufacturers
The State of Vermont is proceeding with lawsuits against 3M, DuPont, and others for the manufacturing and distribution of PFAS chemicals and PFAS-containing products in Vermont. Click here for information from the Attorney General.
While any potential settlement is at least 3-5 years away, there may be an eventual opportunity for public water systems to recoup costs related to PFAS monitoring and treatment. At this point, we are advising you to document costs and save invoices from any and all sampling, lab analysis, investigation, and treatment.
Media
NewsLeaks: Key Things to Know about PFAS Monitoring
Route Fifty: States Take Lead Regulating Chemicals that are Contaminating Drinking Water
NewsLeaks: UVM Students Research PFAS Treatment (page 4)