EPA to limit rocket fuel chemical in tap water

Washington (AP) — The Environmental Protection Agency is setting the first drinking water standard for a toxic rocket fuel ingredient linked to thyroid problems in pregnant women and children.

The decision reverses a 2008 Bush administration ruling that didn’t limit perchlorate in water, although EPA scientists said up to 16.6 million Americans could be exposed to unsafe levels. The chemical is in 153 water supplies in 26 states, based on monitoring from 2001 to 2005. Most of those water supplies are in California and Texas.

EPA administrator Lisa Jackson is to make the announcement at a Senate hearing today. The agency will propose a standard within two years.

Pentagon officials have questioned the EPA’s assessment of perchlorate’s risk. The military could be liable for tainting water during rocket and missile testing.