Tucson Standard

Published on April 11, 2024Tucson, AZ.—Yesterday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, under the Biden-Harris Administration, introduced the first-ever legally enforceable drinking water standard aimed at safeguarding communities from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly referred to as ‘forever chemicals.’ The announcement was met with praise from Tucson, with Mayor Regina Romero expressing gratitude for the initiative.

"This announcement by the Biden-Harris Administration affirms the work that Tucson has been doing for years to lead on PFAS remediation while holding responsible parties accountable," said Mayor Regina Romero. She further added, “I am grateful to EPA Secretary Regan for setting a national standard to protect our drinking water and giving cities like Tucson the resources that we need to protect our residents from PFAS.”

Tucson has been actively involved in PFAS remediation efforts, with the City and Tucson Water Department working diligently to ensure the community has access to reliable and safe drinking water. Tucson Water has been at the forefront of exceeding federal regulatory guidelines for PFAS and implementing advanced remediation projects.

“This step by EPA is the final movement that we have been waiting to see. By having enforceable standards, water utilities like Tucson Water have the clarity on how to move forward in addressing PFAS in our environment and preventing PFAS compounds from entering the drinking water supplies,” stated Tucson Water Director John Kmiec.

The EPA's decision marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to tackle PFAS contamination, providing cities like Tucson with the necessary framework to protect their residents. Tucson's proactive approach to water safety has been recognized and reinforced by the recent national standard set by the EPA, signaling a positive step towards ensuring the well-being of communities across the country.