An environmental group is criticizing the Environmental Protection Agency’s decision to roll back tap water rules for PFAS, a class of substances often called “forever chemicals.”

PFAS are used in everyday products such as nonstick pans, food packaging and firefighting foam. The federal government would ease four regulations on the substances and allow delays until 2031.

Dan Firth, chair of the Holston Valley conservation committee for the Tennessee chapter of the Sierra Club, said the delay could leave residents exposed to polluted water for years.

“We're certainly disappointed to see that they are not putting the health of the citizens first," Firth emphasized. "It will result in people, in citizens of Tennessee, drinking contaminated water that is unhealthy.”

According to EPA data, 14 water systems in Tennessee exceeded federal PFAS limits in 2025.

This week, the EPA announced it is making more than $10 million available in grants to help Tennessee’s small and disadvantaged communities address PFAS and other emerging contaminants.

Firth warned the rollbacks will result in people getting sick from PFAS exposure. Based on the EPA's health advisories, no level of exposure is safe, he explained. He added the rule change would roll back planned state improvements and delay action.

“If the rulemaking goes through, it will eliminate the need to make improvements for three other PFAS plus the hazard index, which is a combination of four different PFAS,” Firth outlined.

The EPA is taking written comments until July 20. The agency is also holding a virtual public comment hearing July 7.

Firth encouraged Tennesseans to speak up in support of clean and safe drinking water by submitting written comments and signing up to comment during the public session.

Source: Public News Service