MAY ROUNDUP

Earlier in May, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a press release outlining its forthcoming plans to combat PFAS contamination. Council member Chad Seidel shared his expert perspective with CNN, highlighting the broader context of water system challenges and the need to lead with the science.

Colorado-based engineer Dr. Chad Seidel said there are ‘critical data gaps about PFAS exposure in drinking water’ and that most communities have lower levels of certain PFAS that ‘don’t warrant attention compared with pressing issues facing our communities’ water systems.’ Those include increasing numbers of broken pipes and related microbial contamination, and natural disasters that disrupt water from releasing from the tap.

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Water Advisory Insights

EPA Releases Plans to Combat PFAS: Water & Health Advisory Council Urges EPA to Lead the Science & Follow the Risk

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a press release outlining its forthcoming plans to combat PFAS contamination. We are eager to see how the agency will implement the National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR).

We have previously submitted comments to the prior EPA administrator, and we stand ready to help EPA to provide clear and actionable direction to water utilities and consider a cost-benefit and risk analysis when determining PFAS regulations.

EPA Announces It Will Keep Maximum Contaminant Levels for PFOA, PFOS

Earlier in May, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a press release announcing it will maintain the previous Administration’s maximum containment levels at four parts-per-trillion for PFOA and PFAS.

Ohio lawmakers propose banning fluoride in drinking water

As conversations around fluoride resurface across the country, including a new bill introduced in the Ohio House to ban fluoride from municipal drinking water, Water and Health Advisory Councilmember Joseph Cotruvo urges lawmakers and communities to look to the science.

Fifty years ago, President Gerald Ford signed the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), the principal law regulating tap water quality in the United States. The SDWA was an inflection point: for the first time, the nation’s water systems were subject to binding health-based standards, rooted in scientific research and jointly administered by federal and state authorities. Bolstered by amendments in 1986 and 1996, the SDWA propelled significant advances. Today, thanks to the SDWA, drinking water is safer, water utilities are more professional and accountable, and Americans enjoy some of the world’s best tap water.

Challenges remain, however. Millions of Americans still face significant risk from unreliable or contaminated drinking water. Microbial and chemical contaminants still threaten public health in parts of the country. Aging infrastructure and persistent failures erode public health and public trust. Our communities deserve better.

Water News

2025 Value of Water Index

The Value of Water Campaign Index offers a clear view into voter sentiment on water access and infrastructure:

92% of voters rank reliable water access as a top priority

80% support continued federal funding for water infrastructure

46% have experienced water-related disruptions from extreme weather events like drought, wildfire, and flooding over the past five years

Voters nationwide remain focused on ensuring long-term access to safe, reliable water.

Water now safe to drink from all fire-affected utilities in L.A. area, state says

To reestablish safe water, utilities first restore pressure to their system by closing the often thousands of connections left open after the fire. Then, they go through a cycle of flushing water to rid pipes of lingering contaminants and testing to check if any contamination remains. This process is repeated until the system is deemed clean.

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power restored safe drinking water to the entirety of Pacific Palisades on March 7.

EPA Announces $30 Million in Grant Funding to Strengthen Drinking Water and Wastewater Management in Rural America

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $30.7 million in grant funding to support training and technical assistance for water systems in small and rural communities.

The funding will help drinking water and wastewater systems meet regulatory requirements, improve system performance, and assist private well owners with PFAS testing and water quality management.

To Fix America's Crumbling Water Infrastructure, the Private and Public Sectors Must Work Together

"Our nation's drinking water infrastructure system is made up of 2.2 million miles of underground pipes. According to the American Society of Engineers, because of the aging infrastructure, drinking water systems currently lose at least 6 billion gallons of treated water per day. That's over 9,000 Olympic-size swimming pools”

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