In recent years, PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) have become a major focus in national and local conversations about drinking water quality. These chemicals, commonly referred to as “forever chemicals,” are found in a wide range of products and are known for their persistence in the environment.
For Long Island residents, where drinking water is drawn exclusively from underground aquifers, PFAS contamination has been a growing concern. In response, federal and state agencies have taken steps to regulate PFAS in public water systems. A recent Washington Post article explains how the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) may shift the timeline and scope of those efforts.
PFAS Crisis in Long Island
Transitioning to the local context, Long Island residents are facing a growing concern over the presence of PFAS in their water supply. Shockingly, over a million people on Long Island are currently consuming water with PFAS levels exceeding the EPA’s recommended health advisory standards.
- More than 600,000 are exposed to water with PFAS levels above the EPA’s recommended health advisory standards, raising concerns about cancers and fertility problems.
- Long Island has excessive amounts of PFOA and PFOS in its drinking water, impacting around 570,000 people. These alarming levels surpass state health regulations.
The 2024 EPA Rule on PFAS
In April 2024, the EPA finalized its first-ever national drinking water standards for six types of PFAS. The rule sets enforceable maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for PFOA and PFOS at 4 parts per trillion (ppt), among the lowest levels detectable. Additional PFAS compounds were regulated through a hazard index formula.
With these regulations in place, utilities will be required to reduce PFAS levels to the lowest measurable levels, benefiting an estimated 100 million Americans and preventing thousands of illnesses, including cancers.
2025 Policy Changes and Compliance Timeline
In 2025, under the new administration, the EPA began reviewing and adjusting certain aspects of the federal PFAS rule. According to a recent EWG report and a Washington Post article, the agency has extended the deadline for full compliance with the new standards from 2029 to 2031.
In addition, the EPA is reconsidering its regulatory approach for certain PFAS compounds included in the original rule. These adjustments are part of an ongoing review process that takes into account scientific data, economic impacts, and input from stakeholders, including utilities and public health organizations.
Potential Implications for Long Island
The extension of the compliance timeline may affect how quickly some water systems implement PFAS treatment upgrades. While many Long Island water districts have already begun or completed infrastructure improvements to address PFAS, others may now adjust their timelines based on the revised federal schedule. Moreover, if certain PFAS compounds are removed from the list of regulated substances, this could alter testing and treatment priorities in some areas.
So What Can You Do About PFAS?
As federal and state agencies refine their approaches to PFAS regulation, water providers and residents on Long Island should continue to monitor developments and adjust accordingly. Simply PURE Water Filtration, Inc. is here to help, offering both free and paid water quality analyses to give you the best information about different contaminants lurking in Long Island water.
And when it comes to actually removing those contaminants, we have cutting-edge reverse osmosis technology. Reverse osmosis removes PFAS from water by using a semipermeable membrane with extremely small pores that trap PFAS molecules while allowing water molecules to pass through.
These systems are designed to effectively filter out PFAS and other nasty contaminants, ensuring that your water not only meets but exceeds safety standards. With Simply PURE Water Filtration, Inc., you can trust that your family is drinking clean, safe water right from your tap.
By taking these simple steps, you’ll not only improve your drinking water but you’ll also make it more convenient, without needing to buy expensive bottled water on an ongoing basis! Follow us for more news on Long Island Water quality and don’t forget to request a water quality analysis today.
About Simply PURE Water Filtration Services
Living in and serving the Long Island community, we strive to make sure everyone has access to clean, healthy water. We have the experience, knowledge, and industry-leading technology to provide clean water solutions for water impurities, contaminants, hard water, bad tasting/odors, well water, acidity & pH regulations.
Proud members of the WQA (Water Quality Association), and the EWQA (Eastern Water Quality Association), we adhere to strict guidelines and the WQA code of ethics. As a Pentair True Blue Partner and Authorized Distributor of Pentair Products, there’s nothing comparable to the performance, and efficiency of our whole house purification systems, water softeners, neutralizers, whole-house filters, and alkaline reverse osmosis systems for drinking in the convenience of your home.
Our products are all NSF / ANSI certified, meeting the highest safety standards and quality performance. Providing our community with only the best experience of high quality water that’s Simply PURE from our family to yours!
Simply PURE utilizes accurate testing methods before and after system installation, as well as annual maintenance of all your water treatment equipment. Our Revolutionary Custom Built Water Treatment systems upon the completion of a Free In-Home Water Analysis, or an in-depth Comprehensive Water Analysis of your choice sent to our Certified Laboratory.
