Could your utility bills skyrocket soon? What new EPA rules on drinking water mean for you
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If you’ve been following the news about “forever chemicals” in our water supply, you might be wondering what the latest Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) changes mean for your health—and your wallet.
Here at The GrayVine, we know that clean, safe water is a top concern for our readers, and so are rising utility bills.
Let’s break down what’s happening, what it means for you, and what you can do to stay informed and protected.
What Are PFAS, and Why Should You Care?
First, a quick refresher: PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of man-made chemicals used in everything from nonstick pans and waterproof jackets to firefighting foam.
They’re called “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down easily in the environment or in our bodies.
Over time, PFAS can build up and have been linked to serious health issues, including certain cancers, liver damage, immune system problems, and developmental effects in infants.
For decades, PFAS have quietly seeped into our water supplies, and only recently have regulators and the public started to take notice.
The EPA has been working to set limits on how much PFAS can be present in drinking water, but the process has been complicated—and controversial.
What’s Changing with the EPA’s Rules?
Earlier this year, the EPA under the Biden administration set strict, enforceable limits for six types of PFAS in drinking water, requiring utilities to test for and reduce these chemicals by 2029.
This was a big step forward for public health, but it also meant that water utilities—especially in areas with high PFAS contamination—would need to invest in expensive new treatment systems, potentially leading to higher water bills for consumers.
Now, the EPA has announced a shift: the deadline for two of the most common and dangerous PFAS (PFOA and PFOS) has been pushed back to 2031, giving water utilities two extra years to comply.
Also read: New study reveals millions exposed to toxic chemicals in drinking water
Even more significantly, the EPA plans to rescind requirements for four other PFAS chemicals (PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA, and PFBS), meaning utilities won’t have to test for or remove them under federal law.
What Does This Mean for Your Water Bill?
For many communities, especially those already planning costly upgrades to their water treatment plants, this delay could mean a temporary reprieve from steep rate hikes.
For example, in Broward County, Florida, officials were considering a $500 million investment in new filtration systems—an expense that could have tripled residents’ water bills.
With the new EPA timeline, some of these increases may be postponed, giving utilities more time to find affordable solutions.
Also read: New study reveals surprising truth about tap versus bottled water
However, not all communities are changing course. Some, like Broward County, say they’re moving forward with their PFAS removal plans regardless of the new federal deadlines, citing the importance of public health and the need to stay ahead of future regulations.
In fact, many local leaders and water system staff drink the same water as their customers and are highly motivated to ensure its safety.
"It is possible that some rate hikes will be delayed as water systems will have more time to comply with the revised rule," National Rural Water Association (NRWA) Deputy CEO, Vern Steel, said. "The additional time will also allow new treatment technologies to come online, which are likely to be more affordable and effective."
The Bigger Picture: Health vs. Cost
While delaying compliance might ease the immediate financial burden on ratepayers, some public health advocates and state leaders are concerned.
Source: Fox News / Youtube.
"However, small water systems impacted by PFAS are highly motivated to remove these contaminants as quickly as possible, as their staff and leaders all drink the same water as the rest of their customers." added Steel.
They argue that any delay in removing PFAS from drinking water puts vulnerable populations—like children, seniors, and those with compromised immune systems—at risk.
States like California are already taking matters into their own hands. Lawmakers there have proposed bills to maintain or even strengthen PFAS limits, regardless of what happens at the federal level. Their message is clear: clean water is non-negotiable.
Also read: Is fluoride in tap water safe? RFK Jr. raises new questions for the CDC
What’s Next? The Road Ahead
The EPA plans to issue a new proposed rule this fall and finalize it by spring 2026.
In the meantime, the agency is launching an outreach campaign to help water systems—especially in rural and small communities—understand the new requirements and access technical assistance.
There’s also talk of creating a federal exemption framework for certain communities and stepping up enforcement against polluters, so the companies responsible for PFAS contamination—not just ratepayers—bear some of the cleanup costs.
Read next: Are men at higher risk from toxins in your water? What new research reveals about PFAS dangers
Have you noticed changes in your water bill? Are you worried about PFAS in your drinking water, or do you have tips for keeping utility costs down? Share your experiences and questions in the comments below!
Here at The GrayVine, we know that clean, safe water is a top concern for our readers, and so are rising utility bills.
Let’s break down what’s happening, what it means for you, and what you can do to stay informed and protected.
What Are PFAS, and Why Should You Care?
First, a quick refresher: PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of man-made chemicals used in everything from nonstick pans and waterproof jackets to firefighting foam.
They’re called “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down easily in the environment or in our bodies.
Over time, PFAS can build up and have been linked to serious health issues, including certain cancers, liver damage, immune system problems, and developmental effects in infants.
For decades, PFAS have quietly seeped into our water supplies, and only recently have regulators and the public started to take notice.
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plans to push back the compliance deadline for some drinking water regulations relating to PFAS chemicals, potentially delaying water bill increases. Image source: Bluewater Sweden / Unsplash.
The EPA has been working to set limits on how much PFAS can be present in drinking water, but the process has been complicated—and controversial.
What’s Changing with the EPA’s Rules?
Earlier this year, the EPA under the Biden administration set strict, enforceable limits for six types of PFAS in drinking water, requiring utilities to test for and reduce these chemicals by 2029.
This was a big step forward for public health, but it also meant that water utilities—especially in areas with high PFAS contamination—would need to invest in expensive new treatment systems, potentially leading to higher water bills for consumers.
Now, the EPA has announced a shift: the deadline for two of the most common and dangerous PFAS (PFOA and PFOS) has been pushed back to 2031, giving water utilities two extra years to comply.
Also read: New study reveals millions exposed to toxic chemicals in drinking water
Even more significantly, the EPA plans to rescind requirements for four other PFAS chemicals (PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA, and PFBS), meaning utilities won’t have to test for or remove them under federal law.
What Does This Mean for Your Water Bill?
For many communities, especially those already planning costly upgrades to their water treatment plants, this delay could mean a temporary reprieve from steep rate hikes.
For example, in Broward County, Florida, officials were considering a $500 million investment in new filtration systems—an expense that could have tripled residents’ water bills.
With the new EPA timeline, some of these increases may be postponed, giving utilities more time to find affordable solutions.
Also read: New study reveals surprising truth about tap versus bottled water
However, not all communities are changing course. Some, like Broward County, say they’re moving forward with their PFAS removal plans regardless of the new federal deadlines, citing the importance of public health and the need to stay ahead of future regulations.
In fact, many local leaders and water system staff drink the same water as their customers and are highly motivated to ensure its safety.
"It is possible that some rate hikes will be delayed as water systems will have more time to comply with the revised rule," National Rural Water Association (NRWA) Deputy CEO, Vern Steel, said. "The additional time will also allow new treatment technologies to come online, which are likely to be more affordable and effective."
The Bigger Picture: Health vs. Cost
While delaying compliance might ease the immediate financial burden on ratepayers, some public health advocates and state leaders are concerned.
Source: Fox News / Youtube.
"However, small water systems impacted by PFAS are highly motivated to remove these contaminants as quickly as possible, as their staff and leaders all drink the same water as the rest of their customers." added Steel.
They argue that any delay in removing PFAS from drinking water puts vulnerable populations—like children, seniors, and those with compromised immune systems—at risk.
States like California are already taking matters into their own hands. Lawmakers there have proposed bills to maintain or even strengthen PFAS limits, regardless of what happens at the federal level. Their message is clear: clean water is non-negotiable.
Also read: Is fluoride in tap water safe? RFK Jr. raises new questions for the CDC
What’s Next? The Road Ahead
The EPA plans to issue a new proposed rule this fall and finalize it by spring 2026.
In the meantime, the agency is launching an outreach campaign to help water systems—especially in rural and small communities—understand the new requirements and access technical assistance.
There’s also talk of creating a federal exemption framework for certain communities and stepping up enforcement against polluters, so the companies responsible for PFAS contamination—not just ratepayers—bear some of the cleanup costs.
Read next: Are men at higher risk from toxins in your water? What new research reveals about PFAS dangers
Have you noticed changes in your water bill? Are you worried about PFAS in your drinking water, or do you have tips for keeping utility costs down? Share your experiences and questions in the comments below!
