Toxic Chemicals in Drinking Water Will Have to Meet New EPA Standards

The Environmental Protection Agency on Wednesday announced plans to set standards for perchlorate and 16 other toxic chemicals found in drinking water supplies.

The new regulations include a proposal to establish the first-ever national standard for perchlorate, a naturally occurring and man-made chemical found in rocket fuels that has been linked to thyroid problems. Perchlorate has contaminated water supplies in at least 26 states, according to the EPA.

The decision to set new perchlorate rules reverses a Bush administration finding that a national standard for the chemical was unnecessary.

Separately, the EPA said it would move toward establishing regulations for 16 other toxic chemicals that may pose risks to human health.

On its website, the agency said it will begin addressing contaminants in groups "so that enhancement of drinking water protection can be achieved cost effectively."

Wednesday's announcement follows a review of national drinking water standards ordered last year by EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson.

"Our decisions are based on extensive review of the best available science and the health needs of the American people," Jackson said.

The EPA said it would take up to four years to institute the new rules.