The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing new drinking water standards to protect us from perchlorate, a toxic chemical used in rocket fuel and explosives that has contaminated drinking water across the country. But the limits are dangerously weak and would do little to protect public health. Add your voice to call for stronger safeguards that will protect us from toxic perchlorate. Submit a public comment by March 9.

Steps to Take

Step 1

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/01/06/2026-00021/national-primary-drinking-water-regulation-for-perchlorate

Read through the proposed changes summary if you have time, then Copy the sample comment and personalize, or write your own.
(Thank you to NRDC for this sample comment!)

Step 2

https://www.regulations.gov/commenton/EPA-HQ-OW-2024-0592-0001

Go to the Comments submission page on the federal registry, (linked here) follow directions, and submit your comment on or before March 9

Be sure to include Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OW-2024-0592 in your Subject line

Sample Text

SUBJECT
Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OW-2024-0592
[EPA-HQ-OW-2024-0592-0001] 
Set a Strong Perchlorate Standard 

Dear Administrator Zeldin,

(Consider adding your own thoughts or experiences — personalized messages are especially effective)

I urge the EPA to adopt a strong maximum contaminant level (MCL) for perchlorate that is protective of public health, especially for fetuses, infants, and children whose developing thyroids and brains are uniquely vulnerable to perchlorate exposure.

The proposed options of 20 ppb, 40 ppb, or 80 ppb are far too weak to protect the most vulnerable populations and are far less protective than existing state standards. In fact, a safe level should be 10 to 100 times stricter than EPA’s lowest proposed standard. 

EPA’s own science and decades of monitoring show perchlorate’s potential health impacts and widespread occurrence. A stricter federal standard — informed by the best available science — is necessary to reduce exposure and prevent harm.

Please revise the proposed rule to establish a health-protective perchlorate limit that reflects scientific evidence and prioritizes the well-being of all communities, especially those disproportionately impacted by toxic contamination.

Thank you for your consideration.

Copy to Clipboard

Details

Type: Public Comments
Organizations: EPA Environmental Protection Agency NRDC Natural Resources Defense Council

Steps to Take

Sample Text

Related Links

Details