H.B. 497 Summary

• Requires the Director of Environmental Protection to adopt rules establishing maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) in drinking water for PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), chromium-6, and 1,4 dioxane, with individual MCLs for combined total PFAS, perfluorooctanoic acid, and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid.

• Directs the director to consider MCLs from other states, peer-reviewed scientific studies, federal toxic substances agency materials, and health advisory guidance when establishing rules.

• Requires MCLs to be protective of public health including pregnant women, nursing mothers, infants, and children, and not less stringent than federal EPA standards.

• Mandates the director annually review and update rules based on the most recent peer-reviewed scientific studies addressing the contaminants.

• Extends the same contaminant-specific water quality standards requirements to Ohio's surface waters under section 6111.041 of the Revised Code.