North Carolina AG Advocates for EPA Monitoring Microplastics in Drinking Water

In a significant move to safeguard public health, North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson, alongside 13 other state attorneys general, has formally requested that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandate the monitoring of microplastics in public drinking water systems as part of the forthcoming Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR) 6. This call to action underscores growing concerns regarding the presence of microplastics in water supplies and their potential adverse effects on human health, showcasing a proactive stance towards future regulatory and compliance frameworks.

Microplastics are minuscule plastic particles that originate from larger plastic products or from being broken down in the environment, often featuring chemical additives that can be harmful. Studies have demonstrated that exposure to these particles, primarily through drinking water, can lead to various health issues, including cellular and tissue damage. Alarmingly, researchers predict that concentrations of microplastics in water systems could double by 2040. The attorneys general's push for more stringent regulations reflects a broader recognition of the urgent need for better management of environmental contaminants.

The monitoring of microplastics under UCMR 6 represents an important step beyond preliminary research efforts by the EPA. Currently, microplastics are being considered for inclusion on the Contaminant Candidate List (CCL), which identifies potentially harmful substances in water systems that might require future regulation under the Safe Drinking Water Act. However, the attorneys general argue that simply placing microplastics on the CCL is insufficient; active monitoring is essential to define their prevalence and establish effective public health regulations.

Attorney General Jackson and his colleagues advocate for more comprehensive measures beyond mere listing. They are urging the EPA to provide a consistent federal definition of microplastics and to implement a proactive framework that includes the collection of data on their occurrence, monitoring strategies, and methods for effective detection and treatment evaluation. This initiative not only aims at understanding the health impacts but also prepares the groundwork for future federal regulations that can drive procurement priorities for technologies aimed at detecting and mitigating microplastic pollution.

As public water systems throughout the United States face scrutiny over the quality and safety of their supplies, procurement professionals should be vigilant in tracking the developments stemming from this request. The anticipated inclusion of microplastics in the UCMR may result in increased solicitations or contracts related to water quality monitoring technologies. Vendors that specialize in environmental testing, water treatment technologies, and contaminant detection are likely to find emerging opportunities as state and federal agencies ramp up efforts to comply with potential new regulations.

The regulatory landscape is evolving. Organizations involved in water infrastructure must be prepared to adapt their monitoring and reporting processes in response to these changes. Procurement teams should evaluate current capabilities and consider investments in cutting-edge technologies that can help meet upcoming compliance obligations related to water safety standards.

As AG Jackson reiterated, "Everyone deserves clean drinking water. I'm glad the EPA is taking steps to do more research on microplastics, but that's not enough. We want them to go further and require monitoring for these contaminants in our water supply." His remarks highlight the push for robust safeguards as the presence of contaminants continues to evolve in the environment, raising both regulatory and procurement considerations for stakeholders.

The collective efforts of Attorney General Jackson and his counterparts signify a pivotal moment in environmental regulation, particularly regarding substances like microplastics. The outcome of these advocacy efforts will not only impact public health guidelines but also create new pathways for investment and innovation in the water quality sector.