Final ‘Forever Chemicals’ Water Monitoring Rule Issued by EPA

The EPA on Monday finalized a nationwide monitoring rule for more than two dozen “forever chemicals” in drinking water.

The Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule, or UCMR 5, establishes nationwide monitoring for 29 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and lithium in drinking water.

“With the data provided by this rule, EPA will be able to develop better regulations while the agency, states, and our local partners will be able to make protective public health decisions that are grounded in science,” agency Administrator Michael Regan said in a statement.

The rule is designed to assist EPA in collecting PFAS contamination ...