What's Happening?
On April 22, 2025, the Washington State Department of Health (department) filed proposed amendments to chapter 246-290 WAC (Group A Public Water Supplies) and chapter 246-390 WAC (Drinking Water Laboratory Certification and Data Reporting) to align sections within these chapters with the recent changes to the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (40 CFR Part 141) regarding per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
The proposed amendments to chapters 246-290 and 246-390 WAC will incorporate by reference the requirements for monitoring, reporting, public notification, treatment and violations, as well as incorporate the federal PFAS Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) into the appropriate contaminant tables in rule.
Why?
In June 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) adopted the first-ever national drinking water standard to protect communities from exposure to PFAS. The federal rules include PFAS requirements for monitoring, reporting, public notification, treatment, and violations, and set federal MCLs. These federal MCLs are stricter than almost all of the State Action Levels (SALs) that are currently in rule. Additionally, the federal standard includes a hazard index for certain chemicals, to account for the additive effects of some combinations of PFAS.
Get Involved!
Formal Comment Period – April 22, 2025 through May 28, 2025
Review draft rules and CR-102 (PDF). Submit written comments to drinkingwaterrule@doh.wa.gov or through the department’s rules comment page.
Public Hearing – May 28, 2025
Attend the public hearing and let us know what you think! The public hearing will be held virtually, on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 2:00 p.m.
Register to Attend the May 28 Public Hearing Via Zoom
Rulemaking Files
| Document | What's This? | Date Filed |
|---|---|---|
| CR-102 (PDF) | Announces formal comment period and public hearing. | April 22, 2025 |
Contacts
Kseniya Efremova, Rules Coordinator
Mike Means, Capacity Development and Policy Manager, Office of Drinking Water