In April 2026, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published for public review and comment a draft list of contaminants that are currently not subject to any proposed or promulgated national primary drinking water regulations. These contaminants are known or anticipated to occur in public water systems and may require future regulation under the Safe Drinking Water Act. The draft Sixth Contaminant Candidate List includes 75 chemicals, 4 chemical groups (disinfection byproducts, microplastics, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, and pharmaceuticals), and 9 microbes. The EPA is considering including nicotine and microplastics on the list.  

The use of nicotine products, including e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches, increases the likelihood of nicotine entering the environment and water supply. Nicotine is not only highly addictive, but also toxic, and is classified as an acute hazardous waste (EPA Hazardous Waste No. P075.11). Given its potential threats to human health and the environment, nicotine merits the EPA’s evaluation of it as a contaminant of concern.