EPA launches study to understand what pollutants are in drinking water

The Environmental Protection Agency this week launched a scientific study that aims to improve the agency's understanding of what pollutants may be present in drinking water. 

The study will use "cutting-edge methods" that go "beyond traditional testing methods," and it will screen for a wide range of pollutants, including pharmaceuticals, PFAS and more than 1,000 potential contaminants.

“We have heard loud and clear that Americans are concerned about potential unknown pollutants lurking in their drinking water. The Trump EPA is committed to getting to the bottom of this, so that Americans can feel confident about the safety of their drinking water,” EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said in a statement. 

The agency’s new study complements existing EPA Safe Drinking Water Act programs.