Why the EPA is Setting Limits on Rocket Fuel in Drinking Water

A Long-Awaited, Yet Reluctant Move

The EPA has finally proposed limits on perchlorate, a chemical found in rockets and explosives, in drinking water. This decision comes after a legal battle and a court order, not because the EPA believes it will significantly impact public health.

The Risks of Perchlorate

Perchlorate can disrupt the thyroid, particularly harmful to children, potentially lowering IQ and causing behavioral issues. However, the EPA claims that only a small fraction of water systems will exceed the proposed limits. Most places will have to spend money on testing and monitoring without seeing much benefit.

A Decade of Delay

The EPA has delayed action on perchlorate for over a decade. They first acknowledged it as a problem in 2011 but kept postponing and reversing decisions. In 2020, they even argued that no standard was needed, claiming perchlorate was not as common or dangerous as previously thought.

Court-Ordered Action

A court ruled that the EPA had to propose a regulation, leading to the current public input request on different limit levels. The Natural Resources Defense Council welcomes the move, despite the EPA's reluctance.

EPA's Mixed Approach to Drinking Water

The EPA's drinking water policies have been more moderate compared to other environmental regulations. They are keeping strict limits on some harmful chemicals but giving utilities more time to comply. Meanwhile, they are removing limits on other types of chemicals.