Water Treatment Weekly Brief: May 13–18, 2025
Stay informed with the latest developments in the US water treatment industry. This week saw significant news regarding PFAS regulations, infrastructure investments, and ongoing efforts to ensure clean and safe water for communities across the nation.
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EPA Announces Updates to PFAS Drinking Water Regulations
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced its intention to maintain the existing Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for PFOA and PFOS, established in April 2024. The agency also plans to extend the compliance deadlines for these two PFAS and establish a federal exemption framework. However, the EPA intends to reconsider the regulatory determinations for other PFAS, including PFHxS, PFNA, and GenX chemicals. This decision has sparked debate among environmental groups and water utilities regarding the balance between public health protection and the feasibility of implementation.
Published: May 14, 2025
EPA Announces It Will Keep Maximum Contaminant Levels for PFOA, PFOS | US EPA -
Rio Grande Valley Faces Growing Water Scarcity
Record low water levels in international reservoirs, coupled with a rising population, are causing a water crisis in the Rio Grande Valley, Texas. Leaders are exploring solutions such as groundwater treatment through desalination, stormwater capture, and water recycling to secure a sustainable water supply. The region is also focusing on water conservation measures and seeking to secure water allocations from Mexico under a long-standing treaty.
Published: May 15, 2025
Rio Grande Valley leaders need more water to sustain growth | The Texas Tribune -
US Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Investment Projected to Exceed $515 Billion
A new report projects that capital expenditure for US municipal water and wastewater treatment infrastructure will surpass $515 billion through 2035. This significant investment is driven by the need to modernize aging systems, comply with stricter regulations, and address climate and demographic pressures. Wastewater infrastructure is expected to account for the majority of this spending, with a focus on upgrading existing treatment systems and adopting advanced technologies.
Published: May 13, 2025
U.S. Water and Wastewater Treatment Infrastructure CAPEX to Surpass US$515 Billion by 2035, Shaped by Aging Assets and Regulatory Pressures - Bluefield Research -
Award-Winning Campaign Boosts Interest in Water Sector Careers
The Great Lakes Water Authority’s (GLWA) “Tap In” campaign has been recognized with an AWWA Public Communications Achievement Award for its success in attracting more individuals to careers in the water sector. The campaign, which included commercials, social media outreach, and printed materials, resulted in a significant increase in job applicants and website engagement, highlighting the rewarding nature of working in water treatment and public health.
Published: May 13, 2025
Award-winning campaign strengthens interest in water careers - American Water Works Association -
New Video Resource Explains Lead Service Line Replacement to Customers
The Lead Service Line Replacement Collaborative, in which AWWA is a founding member, has released a new educational video titled “What to Expect: Replacing Your Lead Service Line.” This ten-minute video provides a clear explanation of the lead service line replacement process for customers, aiming to build trust and encourage participation in replacement programs. The video is available in full and as shorter clips focusing on different stages of the process.
Published: May 15, 2025
New video helps customers understand lead service line replacement - American Water Works Association
Tools & Tips
- EPA Tools and Resources Webinar Series: Stay updated on the latest research and best practices with upcoming webinars covering topics like wildfire smoke impacts, flood resilience, and PFAS contamination.
EPA Tools and Resources Webinar Series | US EPA - Lead Service Line Replacement Video: Access the new video from the Lead Service Line Replacement Collaborative to help educate your community about the lead service line replacement process.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVpmxVeBX08
Fun Fact
Did you know that if the average-sized lawn in the United States is watered for 20 minutes every day for 7 days, it uses the same amount of water as running a shower constantly for 4 days or taking more than 800 showers? This highlights the significant impact of outdoor water use.
We’d love to hear from you!
Have you participated in any water treatment events or utilized new water treatment tools recently? Share your experiences or insights with us—we’re featuring selected community voices in next week’s edition.