EPA takes action against 'forever' chemicals in water.

The Environmental Protection Agency has proposed the first-ever drinking-water standards for PFAS, a group of human-made chemicals found in common consumer items that pose a greater danger to human health than previously thought. The proposal would require water utilities to detect and reduce PFAS contamination at 4 parts per trillion, which is less stringent than advisory levels for safe consumption the agency set last year. The presence of PFAS in water is now so ubiquitous that it will take billions of dollars to remove, and small and poor communities are likely to be disproportionately affected. The EPA expects to complete a final rule by year’s end, but delays are common on new rules like this.