Illustrative
Why this market is moving now
- EPA announced on 18 May 2026 a proposal to let eligible systems request until April 2031 to meet the PFOA and PFOS limits.
- Initial PFAS monitoring must be finished by 2027, so utilities are sampling before treatment decisions.
- The original compliance deadline for the 4.0 ppt limits remains April 2029 until a final extension rule is issued.
- EPA also proposed to rescind the limits for PFHxS, PFNA, GenX and hazard index mixtures; comments closed 20 July 2026.
Key figures
Each figure names the source it came from. Open the source list below to read the quoted line.
| Figure | Value | Year | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| EPA's April 2024 rule sets enforceable limits of 4.0 parts per trillion for PFOA and PFOS, individually. | 4.0 parts per trillion (each for PFOA and PFOS) | 2024 | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency |
| EPA estimates 6% to 10% of the 66,000 public water systems subject to the PFAS rule may have to act to meet the standards. | 66,000 public water systems in scope (6% to 10% may need to act) | 2024 | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency |
| EPA said the rule will reduce PFAS exposure for about 100 million people. | 100 million people | 2024 | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency |
| The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law makes $9 billion available for PFAS and other emerging contaminants in drinking water, including $1 billion newly available at the rule's announcement. | 9 billion USD (of which $1 billion newly available in April 2024) | 2024 | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency |
| Under the 2024 rule, public water systems must finish initial PFAS monitoring by 2027. | 2027 initial monitoring deadline | 2027 | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency |
| The 2024 rule requires public water system compliance with the PFOA and PFOS limits by April 2029. | April 2029 original compliance deadline | 2029 | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency |
| On 18 May 2026 EPA proposed to let drinking water systems request two more years, to 2031, to comply with the PFOA and PFOS limits. | 2031 proposed extended compliance year | 2031 | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency |
| Under the extension proposal, systems with a PFOA or PFOS result at or above 12 ppt would have to take short-term mitigation actions during the exemption. | 12 ppt trigger for mitigation | 2026 | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency |
| EPA's separate proposal to rescind the rule's limits for PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA (GenX) and hazard index mixtures had its comment period close on 20 July 2026. | 20 July 2026 comment period closed | 2026 | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency |
Sources and method
The figures on this page come from the public sources listed below. Read how we work.
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Biden-Harris Administration Finalizes First-Ever National Drinking Water Standard to Protect 100M People from PFAS Pollution (2024-04-10)
Quoted lines
- Figure 1
EPA is setting enforceable Maximum Contaminant Levels at 4.0 parts per trillion for PFOA and PFOS, individually.
- Figure 2
between about 6% and 10% of the 66,000 public drinking water systems subject to this rule may have to take action
- Figure 3
The final rule will reduce PFAS exposure for approximately 100 million people
- Figure 4
Of that, $9 billion is specifically for tackling PFAS and emerging contaminants.
- Figure 1
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) (2026)
Quoted lines
- Figure 5
have three years to complete initial monitoring (by 2027)
- Figure 5
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: EPA Advances Comprehensive PFAS Strategy with Legally Defensible, Practical, Scientifically Sound Drinking Water Protections (2026-05-18)
Quoted lines
- Figure 6
requiring public water system compliance by April 2029.
- Figure 6
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Proposed PFOA and PFOS Compliance Extension Rule (2026-05-18)
Quoted lines
- Figure 7
providing an option for drinking water systems to request two additional years - to 2031 - to comply with the enforceable limits
- Figure 8
drinking water systems with a PFOA or PFOS sample result at or above 12 ppt would be required to implement short-term mitigation actions
- Figure 7
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Proposed PFAS Rescission Rule (2026-05-18)
Quoted lines
- Figure 9
The comment period for the proposed rule closed on July 20, 2026.
- Figure 9
What the full report covers
- 01Executive summary
The answer in one page: size, direction and what moves it - 02Market definition and scope
What is in and out of the United States market - 03Market size, 2021 to 2025
Historical series and growth rates - 04Outlook to 2031
Base, low and high scenarios with stated assumptions - 05Rules, policy and deadlines
Regulation and programmes that change demand - 06Drivers and barriers
What accelerates or slows adoption, by customer segment - 07Prices, costs and margins
Unit economics where public data allows - 08Competitive landscape
8 to 12 company profiles with recent moves - 09Opportunities and risks
For new entrants, suppliers and investors - 10Method and sources
Every assumption and source, listed
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Frequently asked questions
What are the EPA PFAS limits in drinking water?
EPA's 2024 rule sets enforceable limits of 4.0 parts per trillion for PFOA and PFOS, individually. The May 2026 proposals keep these two limits and do not change them.
How many water systems must deal with PFAS?
EPA says 66,000 public water systems are subject to the rule. It estimates about 6% to 10% of them may have to take action to reduce PFAS.
When is the PFAS compliance deadline?
The 2024 rule requires compliance by April 2029. A proposed May 2026 rule would let eligible systems request two more years, to 2031. It is not final.
How much federal money is there for PFAS in drinking water?
EPA said the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides $9 billion for PFAS and other emerging contaminants, including $1 billion newly available when the rule was announced in April 2024.
When does PFAS monitoring have to be done?
Public water systems have three years from the 2024 rule, so by 2027, to complete initial monitoring, according to EPA.
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