Is the EPA About to Add PFAS, Drugs, and Microplastics to Its Drinking Water Watch List in 2025?

The Environmental Protection Agency is once again reviewing what belongs on its list of contaminants that may need regulation in America's drinking water, and this time, PFAS "forever chemicals," pharmaceutical residues, and microplastics are all in the mix, according to a legal analysis by Williams Mullen. If you've been wondering whether the water coming out of your tap could contain more than what's currently regulated, this update is worth understanding.

What Happened?

Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), the EPA is legally required to periodically publish a Contaminant Candidate List (CCL), a roster of substances found or expected to be found in public water systems that aren't yet subject to federal drinking water standards, but may pose health risks. According to Williams Mullen, the EPA's ongoing evaluation process is now considering PFAS compounds, pharmaceutical residues, and microplastics as candidates for the next iteration of that list. Being named to the CCL is a preliminary step, it doesn't mean immediate regulation, but it signals that the agency sees enough potential concern to study these substances further before deciding whether enforceable limits are warranted.

Who and What Is Affected?

Every household that relies on a public water system is technically within the scope of this review, since the CCL process applies nationwide. But the practical effect right now is narrow, nothing changes overnight. The listing process is about identifying candidates for future study and possible regulation, it is not itself a new rule, a ban, or a guarantee of testing at your local utility. Consumers won't see new labels on their water bill or new filters recommended tomorrow because of this specific step.

That said, PFAS have already been a bigger part of daily life than most people realize, not just in water, but in the products we buy. PFAS Authority's own scoring of 4,654 products found that 47% fail our PFAS and toxin screen, and some categories are essentially universal offenders, waterproof boots (100% failing of 47 scored), rain jackets (100% failing of 38 scored), ski and snowboard jackets (100% failing of 32 scored), cycling rain jackets (100% failing of 28 scored), and camping tents and tarps (100% failing of 24 scored). We reach these conclusions by reviewing published ingredients, materials, certifications, and manufacturer disclosures, not by running our own lab tests, so a "fail" reflects what a brand has (or hasn't) disclosed, not a confirmed contamination result.

Notably, some well-known brands, including Cuisinart, Calphalon, The North Face, T-fal, MAC, Columbia, All-Clad, and Patagonia, disclose nothing at all about PFAS in their products, according to our review, making it impossible for shoppers to know one way or the other from the information the companies provide.

Why Does This Matter?

PFAS have been associated in scientific studies with a range of health concerns, including effects on the immune system, cholesterol levels, and certain cancers, though researchers describe these as associations observed in populations, not proven cause-and-effect in every individual. Pharmaceutical residues and microplastics are newer areas of study, and their potential health effects in drinking water are still being characterized by researchers and regulators alike. The EPA's interest in adding these substances to a watch list reflects growing scientific attention, but it also underscores how much remains unknown or unregulated. In the meantime, exposure isn't limited to what comes out of the tap, PFAS in particular show up in cookware, outdoor gear, cosmetics, and food packaging, which is why product-level transparency matters alongside water-quality policy.

What Should You Do Right Now?

• Check your water utility's disclosures. Public water systems are required to publish annual water quality reports; look for any mention of PFAS or emerging contaminants.
• Consider filtration for lower concern. Certain water filters, particularly those certified for PFAS reduction, can help lower, though not eliminate, potential exposure. No filter should be marketed as making water completely "safe," only as reducing certain contaminants to a lower-concern level.
• Scrutinize product labels, not just water. Since PFAS turn up heavily in items like rain gear, boots, and cookware, check manufacturer disclosures before buying. You can look up how specific products score using PFAS Authority's product finder.
• Understand how scores are built. Our methodology explains how we translate public disclosures, ingredient lists, and certifications into a PFAS and toxin screen score, so you know exactly what a "pass" or "fail" reflects.

Bottom Line

The EPA's review of PFAS, pharmaceuticals, and microplastics for its Contaminant Candidate List is an early, procedural step under the Safe Drinking Water Act, not a new regulation. But it arrives against a backdrop where PFAS are already widespread in everyday consumer products, with PFAS Authority's own scoring of 4,654 products showing a 47% overall failure rate and 100% failure rates in categories like rain jackets and waterproof boots. Whatever the EPA ultimately decides about drinking water, consumers can take more immediate action today by scrutinizing the products they buy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this mean PFAS are now banned or regulated in drinking water?

No. According to Williams Mullen's analysis, this is a candidate-list review process under the Safe Drinking Water Act, a step toward possible future regulation, not an enforceable rule change today.

Should I stop drinking tap water because of this news?

The EPA's review doesn't indicate an immediate crisis; it reflects ongoing scientific evaluation. If you're concerned, checking your local water quality report and considering a certified filter are reasonable steps toward lower concern, rather than assuming any water source is entirely risk-free.

How do I know if products I already own contain PFAS?

Many brands, including several named in PFAS Authority's review, disclose little or nothing about PFAS content. You can search specific products using our finder tool, which scores items based on published ingredients, materials, and certifications as explained in our methodology.