Canada Sets New Drinking Water Target for PFAS under CEPA

On August 10, 2024, Canada announced a new target for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) of 1999,. This action is part of the Government's ongoing efforts to protect public health by addressing contaminants in the water supply.

New PFAS Drinking Water Target

The new target sets a threshold of 30 nanograms per litre (ng/l) for the combined concentration of 25 specified PFASs detected in drinking water. This target aims to keep PFAS concentrations as low as reasonably achievable to minimize potential health risks. The new target replaces previous guidelines specific to perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and nine screening values for individual PFAS substances.

Background and Development

The objective was developed in collaboration with the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Committee on Drinking Water. It reflects growing concerns about the health impacts of PFAS and takes into account both treatment feasibility and analytical capabilities. In the past, Health Canada has established specific guidelines for PFOS, PFOA, and other PFAS compounds, based on growing scientific evidence of their persistence in the environment and potential health effects.

This initiative is consistent with Canada's broader strategy to address PFAS as a class, following the Government of Canada's Notice of Intent published in April 2021 and the subsequent release of the draft State of PFAS Report in May 2023. This report provided a comprehensive overview of PFAS sources, environmental occurrence, and health risks, and emphasized the need for consistent management of these substances.

Health and Environmental Considerations

PFAS are known for their stability, due to strong carbon-fluorine bonds, that make them resistant to degradation in the environment. They are widely used in a variety of applications, including firefighting foams, textiles, cosmetics, and food packaging. Due to their extensive use, PFAS have been found in water, air, soil, and food, raising concerns about widespread human exposure.

Exposure to certain PFAS has been linked to adverse health effects, including effects on the liver, thyroid, and immune system, as well as developmental effects. Although current scientific understanding of PFAS health impacts continues to evolve, the adoption of a cumulative approach to monitoring and limiting PFAS concentrations in drinking water reflects a precautionary principle approach to protecting public health.

Analytical and Treatment Strategies

The new drinking water target takes into account the capacity to measure and reduce PFAS levels effectively. Municipal water systems can use technologies such as granular activated carbon, reverse osmosis, nanofiltration, and anion exchange to lower PFAS concentrations. For residential water treatment, devices using granular activated carbon or reverse osmosis that meet specific certification standards can help reduce PFAS exposure for households that rely on private wells.

Next Steps and Public Engagement

The implementation of this target is part of an ongoing effort to enhance the regulation of PFAS in Canada. The government encourages continued research and public engagement to refine approaches to PFAS management. The technical document detailing the new target is available for public consultation, ensuring transparency and collaboration in the management these environmental contaminants.