According to the EPA, Public Water Systems such as water utilities must comply with monitoring and related reporting and public notification requirements in at least three years and must be in compliance with the Maximum Contaminant Levels (the highest levels a contaminant is allowed in drinking water) by 2029 and provide public notification to consumers if these limits are violated. 

Impacts in Indiana

For Indiana residents, our state regulations are required to have a standard that is “no less stringent than” the federal rules, meaning Indiana can not enact regulations that are stronger or more restrictive than those set by federal entities like the EPA. This can sometimes be problematic, but in this case, it is a positive thing, as it means our state will begin setting limits and will help water systems take necessary steps to come into compliance with the federal regulations in the next few years. In instances such as this where there formerly were no regulations at the federal level or at the state level in Indiana, having guidance from EPA is important to ensure that the correct information is being considered when creating regulations. 

In the 2024 Indiana legislative session, we saw an alarming bill proposed, HB 1399, which would have limited Indiana’s ability to regulate PFAS chemicals, as it left out important PFAS polymers and harmful fluorinated gases from the proposed definition. Fortunately, HB 1399 did not pass, but it demonstrated to Save the Dunes and our partners the need to watch PFAS regulations closely, and prepare for additional legislation that might be introduced in the 2025 Indiana legislative session. In light of this potential trend in our state, the EPA regulations are a welcome addition to water and human wellbeing protections affecting all Hoosiers. 

The regulation of PFAS chemicals is sure to be a topic of conversation for years to come. We encourage you learn as much as you can and stay connected with Save the Dunes for the latest updates on how you can get involved.