The Environmental Protection Agency proposed Thursday to include microplastics and pharmaceuticals on a list of contaminants in drinking water for the first time, a step that could eventually lead to new limits on those substances for water utilities
Microplastics and pharmaceuticals designated as contaminants in drinking water
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed adding microplastics and pharmaceuticals to the list of contaminants regulated in drinking water, a move that could impose new compliance burdens on water utilities nationwide. This decision affects all public and private water suppliers subject to EPA regulations, potentially requiring costly infrastructure upgrades or treatment process modifications. The proposal is open for public comment and may lead to future enforcement actions if adopted.