06/16/2026
The offensive taste and smell of Muncie's drinking water has been a hot topic for several weeks. While they don't threaten our health, the potential changes to two rules regarding PFAS contaminants known as “forever chemicals" announced by the EPA in May and recently summarized in the Indy Star and Muncie StarPress may be hazardous. Here's why.
PFAS exposure can lead to cancer, cardiovascular issues, liver damage and developmental issues during pregnancy, among other adverse health effects, according to the EPA.
One proposal announced by the EPA would roll back a rule that sets an allowable level of four different PFAS compounds in drinking water.
The other proposed rule would give water utilities an additional two years to meet certain drinking water standards.
Gov. Mike Braun signed an executive order in 2025 requiring that Indiana's environmental regulations be no more stringent than the federal government’s. That means that if the federal government rolls back its rule, Indiana must follow suit.
Indiana residents' primary exposure to PFAS comes from drinking water, according to a 2025 Purdue University study. The study found more than 20 counties across Indiana tested above the maximum standards set by the EPA. These rollbacks could make it more difficult to know if our drinking water is PFAS-free.
EPA officials say they need to delay compliance because public water systems face too many challenges to meet the original deadline. Challenges include finding certified operators, securing funding and making the capital improvements needed for PFAS filtration.
The EPA will hold public hearings for each proposed rule change on July 7, 2026.
If you are concerned about the implications of the EPA's proposed regulatory rollbacks on Indiana's drinking water, I encourage you to read the full Indy Star report and participate in the EPA's virtual public hearing or submit a written comment.
The U.S. is proposing to roll back PFAS drinking water standards, but one Indiana utility is ahead of the curve.