State Of MN Welcomes New Rules On Water Chemicals Limits

MINNESOTA — In an extraordinary move Wednesday, the federal government imposed strict new limits on “forever chemicals” in public water systems, a costly undertaking for Minnesota’s local water utilities that many say will ultimately fall on the backs of taxpayers.

The Environmental Protection Agency mandate requires that the perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals, known collectively as PFAS, be reduced to near-zero levels. The rule is the first national drinking water limit on toxic PFAS, which are widespread, long-lasting in the environment and have been linked to cancer and a host of other health problems.

They’re ubiquitous, found in everything from food packaging and cookware to dental floss and other personal care items to children’s toys and firefighting foams.

At least 45 percent of U.S. water systems have one or more types of PFAS chemicals, according to a 2023 study by the U.S. Geological Survey.

Maplewood-based 3M recently agreed to pay more than $10 billion to drinking water providers to settle PFAS litigation. And the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law includes billions to combat the substance. But utilities say more will be needed.

The EPA has dramatically shifted its health guidance for forever chemicals in recent years as more research into its health harms has emerged. Less than a decade ago, the EPA issued a health advisory that PFOA and PFOS levels combined shouldn't exceed 70 parts per trillion. Now, the agency says no amount is safe.

Minnesota's "Amara's Law" already aims to stop avoidable PFAS use. It's been nearly a year since the law's namesake, Amara Strande, died from a rare cancer her family blames on PFAS contamination by 3M near her high school in Oakdale, although a connection between PFAS and her cancer can't be proven.

Losing Amara pushed the family towards activism. They've testified multiple times in favor of PFAS restrictions.

“Four parts per trillion, we couldn't ask for a better standard,” Amara's sister Nora said. “It’s a very ambitious goal, but anything higher than that is endangering lives.”

In a joint statement, the Minnesota Department of Health and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency said it welcomes the new regulations:

Today’s announcement from EPA is a welcome step to set clear, enforceable standards for the levels of PFAS in drinking water systems around the state. Minnesota has been working for decades to protect people from negative health effects of PFAS exposure. In anticipation of the EPA release, state agencies have been preparing for lower contaminant levels, which puts us in a strong position to continue this work. While communities have up to five years to come into compliance, we will continue to partner with drinking water systems around the state to provide guidance on how they can ensure safe drinking water for their residents.

Because Minnesota has been a national leader in this work for years, we know that addressing PFAS in Minnesota’s drinking water will require significant additional resources and collaboration among multiple partners. We will continue to work with our federal delegation, EPA and parties responsible for PFAS pollution, to secure the resources that communities need in order to access clean drinking water.

The Associated Press contributed reporting.