(PHILADELPHIA) – Following the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issuing restrictions on harmful “forever chemicals” in the nation’s drinking water, National Association of Water Companies President & CEO Robert F. Powelson issued the following statement:
“Even before these EPA rules, America’s regulated water companies have been working to control these dangerous ‘forever chemicals’ as part of our promise to ensure safe, reliable drinking water for our communities.
“Establishing a national standard for addressing these harmful ingredients from the nation’s water supply provides clarity to all utilities, their customers and states while placing all water and wastewater systems in the same boat to navigate these uncharted waters.
“Make no mistake – addressing the PFAS in the nation’s water supply will cost billions of dollars. It’s a burden that under the current structure will disproportionately fall on water and wastewater customers in small communities and low-income families.
“Instead of coming from the pockets of water and wastewater customers and utilities, the polluters should be held directly responsible for the cleanup costs. NAWC is calling on Congress and the EPA to enact laws and regulations to ensure that those who manufactured and used PFAS chemicals are responsible for funding cleanup and treatment and protect water and wastewater customers from having to fund further cleanup efforts.”
# # #