Middlesex Water has implemented strategy for compliance with new regulations for PFAS

Middlesex Water Co. recently announced it is well-positioned to meet the new national drinking water regulations for PFAS, or Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl substances, that were announced April 10 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The Iselin-based utility began implementing its strategy in 2023 in anticipation of the new EPA regulation.

PFAS are a group of widely used chemicals, used in industry and consumer products like nonstick cookware and food packaging since the 1940s.

The EPA’s new regulations create a new national requirement for regulating six PFAS found in the nation’s drinking water supply and establishes a new Maximum Contaminant Level for PFOS and PFOA at 4 parts per trillion. This new federal MCL for PFOS and PFOA is lower than the New Jersey standard of 14 ppt established in 2021.

“Middlesex Water’s technical expertise in successfully treating PFAS using granular activated carbon has well positioned us to respond to this new, more stringent EPA regulation,” Nadine Leslie, Middlesex Water CEO and president, said. “It should be noted that water utilities do not produce PFAS chemicals but bring cost effective and innovative solutions to meet all state and federal safe drinking compliance requirements.

“Preliminary engineering studies are underway to ensure we implement the latest and most effective PFAS treatment approaches. We are also working to identify potential private and public sources to fund the significant investments needed to construct the anticipated necessary plant upgrades.”