EPAFinal Rule
Water Quality Standards; Establishment of Numeric Criteria for Priority Toxic Pollutants; States' Compliance Revision of Metals Criteria; Interim final rule, notice of data availability and request for comments [W-98-15-III-A-9]
EnvironmentHealthcare
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Summary
The EPA is updating rules for how much toxic metals like lead and mercury can be in our water supplies to better protect public health. States must update their water quality standards to follow these new, stricter limits to keep drinking water and recreational waters safer for everyone.
Key Points
- 1The EPA is setting new numeric limits on toxic metals (priority pollutants) allowed in water to reduce health risks from contaminated drinking water and swimming areas
- 2States are required to adopt these new metal criteria standards in their own water quality regulations, with this being an interim final rule subject to public comment
- 3The regulation revises existing metals criteria, likely making them stricter based on new scientific data about health effects
- 4This affects water treatment plants, industries that discharge water, and ultimately the public who rely on safe drinking and recreational water
- 5The EPA is requesting public comments and additional data on these standards before making them final, allowing time for feedback from states, businesses, and citizens
Impact Assessment
If you are a State Government, this means you must revise your water quality standards and enforcement programs to comply with stricter limits on toxic metals in drinking water and recreational waters within your jurisdiction.
Impact Level
Significant
Geographic Scope
National
Compliance Cost
Significant
Who is Affected
State GovernmentsManufacturersConsumersFarmers
Key Dates
Published
June 12, 2025
Regulatory Connections
Authorized By
Amends CFR Sections
40 CFR Part 131
Other Documents in This Rulemaking (EPA-HQ-OW-2002-0028)
This summary is for informational purposes only. It may not capture all nuances of the regulation. Always refer to the official text for authoritative information.
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