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A bill introduced to the State Water Commission in Virginia aims to eliminate dangerous contaminants in drinking water. House bill 1295, originally introduced in the 2024 General Assembly Session, is set to be reconsidered in 2025. The bill focuses on removing PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances), harmful chemicals not easily removed from the environment. These chemicals, used in various products since the 1940s, can have long-term health effects and are difficult to eliminate from the body.

According to Bailey Davis, the Chief of Field Operations at the Virginia Department of Health, removing or reducing PFAS from water sources requires specialized treatment methods that can be costly. The bill requests $5 million to monitor, treat, and filter water for PFAS, to meet new U.S. Environmental Service Agency regulations by 2027.

Davis emphasizes the importance of public water systems being safe and the need to protect vulnerable communities from these harmful chemicals. The bill also highlights the urgency for Virginia to improve water infrastructure and meet regulatory requirements. The State Water Commission is currently reviewing a report detailing the costs and methods needed to manage PFAS in drinking water.

Overall, the bill aims to promote safer drinking water for Virginians by addressing the presence of harmful contaminants and improving water treatment methods. The outcome of this bill could have a significant impact on public health and environmental protection in the state.

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