PFAS contamination in drinking water has been one of the most significant public health issues in America for years. Now, for the first time, the EPA is taking a proactive outreach approach — rather than waiting for water utilities to comply with regulations, it is actively reaching out to help them address contamination now.
Here's everything you need to know about what PFAS OUT is, why it matters, and what you can do to protect yourself in the meantime.
What Are PFAS? (The "Forever Chemicals")
PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — a family of over 12,000 synthetic chemicals that have been used in industrial and consumer products since the 1940s. You'll find them in:
- Non-stick cookware (Teflon and similar coatings)
- Water-resistant clothing and fabrics
- Firefighting foam (AFFF) used at military bases and airports
- Food packaging (microwave popcorn bags, fast food wrappers, pizza boxes)
- Stain-resistant carpet and upholstery treatments
They're called "forever chemicals" for two reasons: they don't break down naturally in the environment, and they accumulate in the human body over time. Scientific research has linked long-term PFAS exposure to:
- Kidney and testicular cancer
- Thyroid disease and hormone disruption
- Immune system suppression (including reduced vaccine effectiveness)
- High cholesterol
- Developmental problems in fetuses and children
- Pregnancy-induced hypertension
PFAS by the Numbers
What Is the EPA PFAS OUT Initiative?
On April 14, 2026, EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Jess Kramer launched PFAS OUTreach — or "PFAS OUT" — a new initiative described as the first time the EPA has proactively engaged with water systems, states, and other partners to address PFAS drinking water contamination.
PFAS OUT Initiative: Key Facts
The initiative aims to provide affected water systems with:
- Information on available funding sources for PFAS remediation
- Technical assistance through EPA's RealWaterTA program
- Interactive, location-specific resources (webinars, guidance documents)
- Practical pathways to reduce contamination before mandatory compliance
Notably, the initiative specifically focuses on small, rural, and disadvantaged communities — which often have fewer resources to navigate complex contamination challenges. EPA stated these communities would not be "left behind."
What the EPA Has Already Done on PFAS
PFAS OUT is the latest in a series of federal actions on PFAS contamination:
- 2026: EPA finalized the first-ever National Primary Drinking Water Regulations for PFAS — setting legally enforceable MCLs of 4 parts per trillion for PFOA and PFOS, the two most studied PFAS compounds.
- 2026: EPA announced it would keep those MCLs in place (some political pressure existed to roll them back).
- April 2, 2026: EPA announced a broader set of actions to address microplastics, pharmaceuticals, PFAS, and other contaminants in drinking water.
- April 14, 2026: PFAS OUT initiative formally launched.
State-Level Action: What States Are Doing
Several states have moved ahead of federal standards on PFAS:
- California — Banned PFAS in cookware and textiles (effective January 2026)
- Minnesota — Restricted PFAS in a range of products including cookware (2026), with a broader phase-out plan
- Michigan, Vermont, Massachusetts — Have set stricter PFAS drinking water standards than federal limits
- Washington — Banned PFAS in firefighting foam, food packaging, and some textiles
What Does This Mean for Your Drinking Water?
The honest answer: if your water system is one of the ~3,000 with known PFAS challenges, you may see some improvement from this initiative over the coming years as utilities access technical and financial assistance. But compliance timelines for the 2026 MCLs run through 2029 for most systems — meaning utilities have years before they must fully comply.
For most households, the practical implication is that you shouldn't wait for your utility to fix this. A certified point-of-use filter removes PFAS from your drinking water now, regardless of what your utility does.
What You Can Do Right Now
Don't wait for your water utility. These three steps put you in control:
Start with the free EWG Tap Water Database (ewg.org/tapwater) — just enter your zip code. For a definitive result, order a lab PFAS test. See our complete water testing guide.
A filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 or 401 for PFAS will remove these chemicals from your drinking water regardless of what your utility does. The Clearly Filtered pitcher removes 99.5% of PFAS and is independently certified.
See Clearly Filtered Pitcher →
Your municipal water supplier is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). Search "[your city] water quality report 2026" or check the EPA's Consumer Confidence Report database. Look for PFOA, PFOS, or GenX contamination disclosures.