# EPA proposes compliance extension mechanism allowing PFOA/PFOS MCL deadline to extend from April 26, 2029 to April 26, 2031

Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) — PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR)  
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)  
Announced  
**May 18, 2026**

## Description

EPA issued a proposed rule to create a federal exemption framework under the PFAS NPDWR that would allow eligible public water systems (upon request/approval) to extend the compliance deadline for PFOA and PFOS maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) from April 26, 2029 to April 26, 2031. Drinking-water compliance planners should assess how a potential exemption/extension pathway could affect capital planning, treatment procurement timelines, and internal compliance schedules, and consider submitting comments during the rulemaking process.

## Sources

- Official [Proposed PFOA and PFOS Compliance Extension Rule \| US EPA](https://www.epa.gov/sdwa/proposed-pfoa-and-pfos-compliance-extension-rule)
- Official [Pre-publication FR notice (PFOA/PFOS deadline extension NPRM)](https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-05/for-prepub-web-8543.1-01-ow_pfas-deadline-extension_nprm_frn_20260505_admi.pdf)
- Official [Proposed PFOA and PFOS Compliance Extension Rule FAQs (May 2026)](https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-05/508_proposed-pfoa-and-pfos-extension-rule_faqspasandsystems_final.pdf)