JULY ROUNDUP
In June, 2022, the EPA released interim drinking water health advisories for four per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. The interim updated health advisories for PFOA and PFOS were issued before the EPA’s Science Advisory Board (SAB) PFAS Panel completed the full review of the toxicity assessments.

The EPA Science Advisory Board has voiced concerns that the agency’s approach for reviewing the scientific studies on the health effects of PFOA and PFOS is “fundamentally flawed.” At a recent Science Advisory Board meeting, a panel member said that if he were reviewing EPA’s work for publication in a scientific journal, “I would check the reject box.”

These extremely low health advisory levels are based on limited and/or selective research and will impact drinking water utilities across the nation, even where PFOA/PFOS may not be a public health concern. We urge the EPA to provide clear and actionable direction to water utilities and consider a cost-benefit and risk analysis when determining PFAS regulations.
Manny Teodoro Joins the Council

We are thrilled to announce that water utility management, policy, and finance expert Manny Teodoro has joined the Council to help advance our mission of bringing clarity and context to fast-moving drinking water issues.  
 
Manny holds a faculty position at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Lafollette School of Public Affairs & Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies and joins the Council with expertise in water management, policy, finance, and environmental justice issues. 
 
Welcome to the Council, Manny!
Water Advisory Insights
In a new KUNC and The Colorado Sound article, Council member Chad Seidel discusses how wildfires have lasting effects on drinking supply even after they’re put out. The fires have lingered throughout the town’s water, leaving a smoky taste and smell in the drinking supply, which has made a huge impact on the town’s residents and neighborhoods.
In Episode 8 of The Authority Podcast, Council member Kathryn Sorensen discusses the concept of plumbing and the Ten Tenets of Water Equity, one of which states that water equity cannot occur without an adequately functioning community water system.
Water News
From emergency climate-induced weather conditions to ongoing aging infrastructure needs, our nation's water supply is at risk. We must prioritize what best protects public health for the greatest number of people.
The Guardian: US water likely contains more ‘forever chemicals’ than EPA tests show
A Guardian analysis of water samples from around the United States shows that the type of water testing relied on by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is so limited in scope that it is probably missing significant levels of PFAS pollutants. The undercount leaves regulators with an incomplete picture of the extent of PFAS contamination and reveals how millions of people may be facing an unknown health risk in their drinking water.
Politico Pro: Science advisers pummel EPA’s PFAS work
EPA’s powerful panel of outside scientific advisers is raising major concerns with the agency's work underpinning the stringent new drinking water health advisories for the toxic “forever chemicals” PFOA and PFOS.
At a Science Advisory Board meeting Wednesday, one panel member said if he were reviewing EPA’s work for publication in a scientific journal, “I would check the reject box.”
Circle of Blue: EPA Shows Interest in Fireworks Contamination of Drinking Water Sources
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is offering a $2.5 million grant for researchers to investigate water contamination following fireworks shows. Fireworks contain perchlorate, and when the chemical does not completely combust it can leach into groundwater or enter streams.
It’s not a theoretical concern. Wells supplying Evart, Michigan, were tainted by perchlorate from years of fireworks shows that took place at a nearby fairgrounds. There are no national drinking water standards for perchlorate. But California and Massachusetts have their own regulations. One grant will be awarded and applications are due September 14, 2022.
ABC News: Las Vegas, New Mexico, mayor blames federal government amid water crisis
As his city stands on the brink of running out of water, Las Vegas, New Mexico, Mayor Louie Trujillo said the fires that initiated the problem could have been avoided.
"The government is 100% responsible for this disaster and we intend to hold them accountable, to pay for every expense and discomfort that the citizens are suffering right now, even if it includes legal recourse," Trujillo said. The city is in a state of emergency after intense flooding at the Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fire "burn scar" area led to contamination in water reservoirs from ash, soot, burned trees, pine needles, rocks and boulders.
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