Water Treatment Weekly Brief: June 10–16, 2025
This past week has delivered a fresh wave of updates impacting the water treatment sector, from critical policy shifts concerning water resource allocation and PFAS regulation to exciting advancements in AI-driven wastewater management. Important discussions around infrastructure funding and new tools designed to enhance operational efficiency also took place. Here’s a concise rundown of what professionals need to know to stay ahead in this dynamic industry.
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EPA Proposes Increase in Water-Intensive Biofuels Mandate
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed changes to the biofuels mandate, aiming to boost U.S. corn and soybean production for energy consumption. This move is expected to increase irrigation pressure on water resources, particularly in water-stressed regions like the High Plains, and contribute to wetland losses in the Upper Midwest. The EPA’s regulatory analysis acknowledges these potential damages to soil and water quality but describes them without specific numerical assessments. This proposal underscores a significant policy decision with direct implications for water availability and management, suggesting that national energy goals may inadvertently intensify water stress in already vulnerable regions.
Published: June 16, 2025
Federal Water Tap, June 16, 2025: EPA Proposes Increase in Water-Intensive Biofuels Mandate - Circle of Blue -
PFAS Regulatory Landscape Continues to Shift Amidst Lawsuits and New Research The PFAS regulatory environment remains highly dynamic, with over $12 billion in settlements reached from manufacturers like 3M, Chemours, and DuPont to address public water system contamination. Despite these settlements, the EPA is reportedly proposing significant changes to its national PFAS drinking water standards. These proposed rollbacks could delay compliance deadlines for PFOA and PFOS from 2029 to 2031 and potentially eliminate federal limits on three other PFAS types, raising concerns among environmental and public health groups. Concurrently, new studies, such as one correlating PFAS in local drinking water with PFAS in beer, highlight the pervasive nature of these “forever chemicals” and the critical role of municipal water sources in their distribution.
Published: June 13, 2025 :
link: Contaminants Compass: June 2025 Edition - McGuireWoods -
AI Adoption in Wastewater Treatment Plants Projected to Surge in 2025
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is set to revolutionize public-sector Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs), with projections indicating that 25-30% of these facilities globally will utilize AI in 2025, up from 10-15% currently. This surge, driven by increasing urbanization and the need for high-quality effluent, is detailed in the Xylem Vue report “Water Technology Trends 2025”. AI integration offers significant benefits, including operational optimization, data-driven process refinement (like chemical dosing and energy use), predictive maintenance, and enhanced decision-making. This digital transformation is enabling WWTPs to become smart, sustainable facilities, even evolving into water regeneration centers and biorefineries that recover valuable resources.
Published: June 10, 2025
25% of the World’s Public-Sector WWTPs to Use AI in 2025 | Informed Infrastructure -
U.S. Wastewater Infrastructure Needs Soar to $630 Billion Over 20 Years
A Congressional Research Service (CRS) report, published on June 10, 2025, reveals that national wastewater infrastructure needs are estimated at a staggering $630 billion over the next two decades, representing a 45% increase since 2016. Categories like stormwater management (up 387%) and decentralized wastewater treatment (up 170%) show particularly acute needs. Historically, state and local governments have borne the brunt of funding (92% in 2023), with federal contributions remaining low. The report highlights rising service costs, affordability challenges for households, and the critical role of programs like the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF), despite proposed federal budget cuts.
Published: June 10, 2025
https://www.everycrsreport.com/files/2025-06-10_R48565_b85ed1e704d1932d387553d022da544988d8ee48.html -
EPA Budget Cuts Threaten Michigan’s Water Infrastructure Funding
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released its proposed fiscal 2026 budget, signaling a drastic 54% overall reduction in funding, from $9.1 billion to $4.1 billion. Programs hardest hit include the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRFs), which face a nationwide cut from $2.7 billion to just $305 million. This proposed 90% cut for Michigan’s SRFs, highlighted by Planet Detroit, puts vital water infrastructure projects at risk, potentially increasing utility costs for ratepayers, especially in disadvantaged communities. Experts warn these cuts could cripple the EPA’s ability to protect drinking water systems and undermine state partners’ capacity to monitor and maintain aging water systems.
Published: June 16, 2025
How EPA budget cuts threaten Michigan water infrastructure – Planet Detroit
Tools & Tips
- AWWA Water Audit Software Version 6.1 Released The American Water Works Association (AWWA) has released Version 6.1 of its free Water Audit Software in 2025. This latest iteration builds on the comprehensive functionality of previous versions by introducing new “Carbon Calculations and the Carbon Balance” features. This allows water utilities to quantify greenhouse gas emissions associated with leakage and, crucially, measure potential reductions in emissions by targeting leakage reductions. This upgrade provides a valuable tool for utilities aiming to improve both water loss control and environmental sustainability.
Water Loss Control - American Water Works Association
Fun Fact
Did you know that conventional wastewater treatment processes, while energy-intensive (accounting for an estimated 3% of global electricity consumption), actually contain about five times more energy than is needed to treat them? This energy, in the form of heat and from the chemical breakdown of organic matter, can be recovered. For instance, biogas can be produced from captured methane, contributing to climate mitigation, and solid fuel briquettes can even be made from fecal sludge with calorific value comparable to charcoal. This highlights wastewater’s incredible potential as a renewable energy source.
Facts about wastewater and nutrient management | UNEP - UN Environment Programme
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.