PFAS News – New York MCL Recommendations and ASDWA Website Information

New York’s Drinking Water Quality Council Recommends Drinking Water MCLs for PFOA, PFOS, and 1,4-Dioxane

On December 18, the New York Drinking Water Quality Council (DWQC) provided Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) recommendations to the New York State Health Commissioner for PFOA, PFOS, and 1,4-dioxane. The recommended levels for PFOA and PFOS are 10 parts per trillion (ppt) for each compound individually, and for 1,4-dioxane is 1 part per billion (ppb). They are now expected to be approved by the State Health Commissioner and be subject to a 60-day public comment period. Cost estimates by the New York Department for community water systems to comply PFOA and PFOS MCLs at 10 ppt is $855 million in capital costs and $45 million in operation and maintenance costs. For more information, view the press release and DWQC website that includes a webcast link for the December 18 meeting.

New ASDWA PFAS Website Information: ASDWA’s PFAS web page has been updated with a new water utility treatment case study from Delaware, along with state PFAS sampling data and information from eight states.

• ASDWA PFAS Water Utility Treatment Case Study – Town of Blades, Delaware: This case study was developed for ASDWA by the Town of Blades, where high levels of PFOA and PFOS were found in their wells. The town worked with the state, EPA, and many partners to undertake subsequent actions to add GAC treatment and investigate the source of contamination. The case study includes information about their efforts; their treatment needs, considerations, and decisions; and the associated costs.
• State PFAS Sampling Data and Information: A variety of sampling data and information has been added to the ASDWA website (see the dropdown menu) from eight states across the country. The links to data and information are provided in a table for a variety of studies and site investigations that have been, or are being conducted in Colorado, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania.

For more information and to view these new resources, go to www.asdwa.org/pfas.