What: On April 6, 2026, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published the Sixth Contaminant Candidate List (CCL). The CCL is a draft list of contaminants that are currently not subject to any federal drinking water regulations.
Why: The list consists of 75 chemicals, 4 chemical groups (including microplastics and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances [PFAS]) and 9 microbes. The chemicals on the list are known or anticipated to occur in public water systems and may require regulation under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) in the future.
The inclusion of a chemical on the list, whether as an individual or in a group, does not mean that it will necessarily be regulated in the future. Rather, the list serves as a first level of evaluation for unregulated drinking water contaminants that may need further investigation. Contaminants from the list with sufficient health effects could be considered for rulemaking under SDWA.
For small water systems, the list provides an early opportunity to provide input on chemicals that the EPA could regulate in the future.
Action: Read the draft list and submit comments before the June 5, 2026, deadline.
DRAFT LIST:
Drinking Water Contaminant Candidate List 6-Draft
CONTACT:
Nick Goldstein
EMAIL:
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