PFAS in Drinking Water

What to Expect in Alaska

Alaska's drinking water is being tested for PFAS under new federal rules. DEC is here to help water systems meet these goals and inform Alaskans about water quality. During the initial monitoring period (2024–2027), the DEC is providing free sampling kits and laboratory analysis to help Alaska's water systems identify if these substances are present at or above these regulatory thresholds. Monitoring data is shared transparently on the DEC’s Drinking Water Watch and Drinking Water Viewer for public review. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized the first national drinking water standards for several per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) substances in April 2024. These new requirements apply to all community water systems and non-transient non-community water systems.

What the New Federal Rule Requires

The EPA established maximum contaminant levels for six PFAS substances. These substances are measured in parts per trillion. One part per trillion is roughly equivalent to one drop of water in 20 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

Perfluorooctanoic acid: 4.0 parts per trillion
Perfluorooctane sulfonate: 4.0 parts per trillion
Perfluorohexane sulfonate: 10 parts per trillion
Perfluorononanoic acid: 10 parts per trillion
Hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (also known as GenX chemicals): 10 parts per trillion
Mixtures of perfluorohexane sulfonate, perfluorononanoic acid, hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid, and perfluorobutane sulfonate: hazard index of 1

The EPA also established trigger levels, equal to one-half of the maximum contaminant level identified above, which determine future monitoring frequency. The health basis for the regulation focuses on long-term, repeated exposure. The standards are intended to protect populations with chronic exposure, which does not typically occur at transient systems.

The new federal rule also included timelines and milestones for these requirements. They are as follows:

2024 - 2027: Initial Monitoring

Systems must complete initial monitoring by April 26, 2027.
Systems may use previous monitoring data collected under the federal Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule, if the data meet federal criteria.
Larger groundwater and surface water systems must collect four quarterly samples 2 to 4 months apart.
Small groundwater systems must collect two samples, 5 to 7 months apart. .
Initial monitoring requirements are included in each system’s 2026 annual Monitoring Summary issued by the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation.

2027: Start of Compliance Monitoring and Reporting

Systems will begin routine compliance monitoring. Monitoring frequency will be based on the results of initial samples.
Systems will begin reporting per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance results in their annual Consumer Confidence Report.
Tier 3 public notification requirements apply for monitoring or testing procedure violations.

2029: Compliance Deadline

Systems must comply with maximum contaminant levels by April 26, 2029.
Consumer Confidence Reports must include maximum contaminant level violations beginning with the July 2029 reporting cycle.

What the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation is Doing

The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Drinking Water Program has primacy for implementing the Safe Drinking Water Act and associated National Primary Drinking Water Regulations in the State, meaning DEC has the primary authority and responsibility to enforce these rules in Alaska.. DEC uses our primacy to support public water systems in a variety of ways. The Drinking Water Program is using federal grant funding to support public water systems as they navigate the requirements of the new PFAS Rule by utilizing EPA Emerging Contaminants grant funding to pay for initial monitoring samples, reviewing sampling data, confirming when additional monitoring is needed, and posting results on Drinking Water Watch and Drinking Water Viewer.

Sampling at the public water systems began in 2024 and will continue into 2026. Sample kits are provided free of charge to eligible systems, and the samples are analyzed at the Environmental Health Laboratory operated by the DEC.

If a system detects PFAS above the maximum contaminant level established by the EPA during the initial monitoring period, the DEC provides the system operators with clear, ready-to-use communication tools to share information with the system users. These tools include a resident information sheet, fact sheets from the EPA, and a list of certified filters that reduce PFAS in drinking water.

The DEC also assists with interpreting laboratory results, discussing treatment options such as granular activated carbon, reverse osmosis, or ion exchange, and identifying potential federal funding opportunities for the systems. The DEC maintains statewide PFAS Rule information resources and supports water systems in communicating accurate, timely information to consumers.

The DEC is committed to supporting public water systems and keeping Alaskans informed as the federal rule is implemented.

Who the Rule Applies To

The federal PFAS Rule applies to two types of public water systems:

Community water systems – systems that serve more than 24 of the same people year-round.
Non-transient non-community water systems – systems that serve more than 24 of the same people for more than six months per year, such as schools, workplaces, and parks.

Transient non-community water systems, such as airports, campgrounds, restaurants, and seasonal facilities, are not subject to these maximum contaminant levels.

The DEC’s Approach During Initial Monitoring

The goal of the DEC is to communicate clearly and consistently with public water systems and consumers during the initial monitoring period.

During the initial monitoring period from 2024 through 2027:

A sample above a maximum contaminant level is not yet a violation under federal rules.
Monitoring results are posted on Drinking Water Watch and Drinking Water Viewer on the Drinking Water Program website.
The DEC will provide customer notification templates if results are above maximum contaminant levels.
The DEC strongly recommends that public water systems share monitoring information so consumers can make individual decisions about reducing exposure.
The DEC may provide notice directly to consumers if MCL exceedances are documented and voluntary notice is not provided by the system owner or operator.

If Consumers Want to Take Action Sooner

Public water systems are not required to issue formal public notifications or install treatment during the initial monitoring period. However, consumers may check Drinking Water Watch and Drinking Water Viewer for monitoring results for their public water system.

Consumers may also choose to take steps to reduce exposure in their homes. Public health guidance from the EPA is available at:

https://www.epa.gov/sdwa/and-polyfluoroalkyl-substances-pfas#General

Contact the DEC Drinking Water Program

For questions about sampling, monitoring schedules, or interpretation of results, contact:

Cindy Christian
907-451-2138
cindy.christian@alaska.gov