EPA Rolls Back PFAS Standards

EPA Rolls Back PFAS Standards

The regulatory landscape for PFAS took a sharp turn on Wednesday when the Trump administration announced they are rolling back several "forever chemical" drinking water standards while extending compliance deadlines for others. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced plans to maintain the strict 4 parts-per-trillion limits for PFOA and PFOS (the two most notorious PFAS compounds), but is pushing the compliance deadline from 2029 to 2031, citing "significant compliance challenges" for water systems. A big headline from the announcement is that the EPA is completely removing four other PFAS compounds (PFHxS, PFNA, GenX, and PFBS), claiming the previous administration's rules need to follow better legal processes under the Safe Water Drinking Act. Environmental groups aren't happy, with the Natural Resources Defense Council calling the move a "mockery" of clean water promises, while noting that over 100 million Americans drink PFAS-contaminated water.

How a California County Eliminated PFAS

Yorba Linda, California has claimed the title of PFAS-fighting champion with the nation's largest ion exchange treatment facility. According to an article from Governing, the Orange County water district has been delivering PFAS-free water to 80,000 customers since 2021, well ahead of EPA deadlines. The post details how the facility uses positively charged resin beads that act like magnets to attract PFAS compounds. The funding model involves a partnership between city and county water authorities with a 10% rate increase for customers, though officials are going after manufacturer lawsuits and government grants to offset costs. The article also notes that the EPA recently extended the compliance deadline for new PFAS standards (see above), making Yorba Linda's approach even more ahead of schedule.

Water Filter Guru Review: SimPure Y7P

The Water Filter Guru is back with a review of the SimPure Y7P countertop reverse osmosis system, and the results are mixed. The $370 unit scored an impressive 8.1/10 overall, with testing revealing it completely eliminated fluoride, uranium, copper, and other contaminants from Colorado well water. The team noted it had a great 4:1 pure-to-wastewater ratio (meaning only 1 gallon wasted for every 4 gallons filtered) and a convenient smart display with filter replacement indicators. However, they did mention several drawbacks: a frustrating two-hour filter flushing process, cheap plastic components (especially the flimsy cup holder), slow 0.05 GPM filtration rate, and acidic output with no remineralization option.

They also say that despite SimPure's misleading "SGS certified" claims, the unit lacks proper NSF performance certification and only meets materials requirements under Standard 58. The review ultimately questions the value, pointing out the similarly-designed Waterdrop N1 performs nearly identically at $150 less, while the AquaTru Carafe offers better features at the same price point with full performance certifications.

Does Reverse Osmosis Lower pH?

Culligan Los Angeles sheds light on a common treatment question: does reverse osmosis actually lower pH? According to the article, RO systems effectively strip out harmful contaminants like lead, PFAS, and arsenic, but also remove pH-stabilizing minerals in the process. The result is slightly acidic water that's still completely safe to drink– the team notes that most morning beverages (like coffee) are far more acidic anyway. The Culligan LA team highlights optional remineralization cartridges that can restore neutral pH while maintaining filtration benefits. The article also goes through specific factors affecting final pH levels, including source water quality, mineral content, system performance, and air exposure.

What else is happening:

• DeSantis signs a bill making Florida the 2nd state to ban fluoride from its water system

• Aquasana profiles their GM and CMO Derek Mellencamp, a recent appointee to the WQA’s board of directors

• WQA Podcast drops an episode all about the Hall of Fame and Lifetime Member Awards

• AquiSense’s co-founder was featured in the Bayh-Dole Coalition’s 2025 “Faces of American Innovation” for her work with UV-C LED water disinfection technology

• WIRED writes about the difference between treating water with chlorine vs chloramine

• Culligan LA explains what affects the cost of a water softener and mentions customers can get a Culligan water softener starting around $15 a month