EPA Advances PFAS Regulations and Funding for Water Safety

EPA Advances PFAS Regulations and Funding for Water Safety

In this episode Talking Under Water co-hosts discuss EPA’s latest PFAS regulatory moves, major new federal funding for drinking water and lead service line replacement, and stormwater-related investments aimed at protecting coastal water quality. The episode opens with a breakdown of EPA’s proposal to maintain drinking water standards for PFOA and PFOS while reconsidering standards for several other PFAS compounds, alongside a potential compliance extension that could give some utilities until 2031 to meet federal limits. The hosts also examine EPA’s increasing focus on PFAS destruction technologies, nearly $946 million in emerging contaminants funding, and what those developments mean for utilities trying to balance treatment costs, planning, and compliance pressure. The conversation then shifts to the legal and financial risks surrounding PFAS liability, including how CERCLA and RCRA apply to utilities, what EPA’s enforcement discretion does and does not protect against, and why water sector groups are pushing for permanent legislative safeguards. Later, the episode highlights nearly $2.9 billion in lead service line replacement funding and closes with stormwater and coastal water quality news, including federal beach monitoring grants and resilience planning underway in Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina. Show notes: Administrator Zeldin Makes Major PFAS Announcement and Hosts Roundtable with Secretary Kennedy [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZYzQEsZlaw] EPA History: Superfund [https://www.epa.gov/history/epa-history-superfund] Federal Environmental Liability under CERCLA and RCRA [https://www.americanbar.org/content/dam/aba-cms-dotorg/products/inv/book/408778006/chap1-5350266.pdf] Report finds 61% of U.S. beaches experienced unsafe contamination levels in 2024 [https://www.stormwater.com/stormwater-management/news/55379461/report-finds-61-of-us-beaches-experienced-unsafe-contamination-levels-in-2024] EPA announces $9.75 million in BEACH Act funding for water quality monitoring [https://www.stormwater.com/stormwater-management/news/55379452/epa-announces-975-million-in-beach-act-funding-for-water-quality-monitoring] Sullivan's Island resilience plan pairs gray infrastructure with green solutions for 2050 [https://www.stormwater.com/erosion-control/article/55376130/sullivans-island-resilience-plan-pairs-gray-infrastructure-with-green-solutions-for-2050] Key moments: * 00:00 – Introduction * 01:16 – EPA PFAS actions overview * 02:16 – Proposed PFAS compliance extension to 2031 * 03:31 – Shift toward PFAS destruction technologies * 04:39 – $945.7 million in emerging contaminants funding * 06:13 – EPA outreach for small and disadvantaged systems * 07:02 – $2.9 billion for lead service line replacement * 08:34 – Lead funding declines slightly from prior year * 09:02 – PFAS liability discussion begins * 10:20 – RCRA and CERCLA explainer * 13:05 – Why utilities face PFAS liability risk * 14:03 – EPA enforcement discretion * 16:48 – Legislative safe harbor push * 17:45 – Deeper PRP liability implications * 19:32 – Atlantic Richfield case walkthrough * 23:22 – Limits of current liability protections * 25:17 – Stormwater and coastal water quality segment * 25:30 – EPA beach water quality grants * 26:22 – Safer swimming report findings * 27:12 – Sullivan’s Island resilience planning * 28:11 – Housekeeping About the podcast Talking Under Water is the premier podcast for the water industry, including municipal water and wastewater, residential water treatment, storm water management and erosion control. It is produced in coordination between Wastewater Digest (WWD), WaterWorld and Storm Water Solutions (SWS). The podcast covers topics under the One Water movement including the municipal and industrial water and wastewater, residential, stormwater and erosion control markets. Talking Under Water highlights news, trends, new technologies, industry discussions and interviews with experts across the municipal water industry. New episodes of the podcast are released every other week. Logo Images: Anatoly Tiplyashin / Romolo Tavani / stock.adobe.com.     Contact the Talking Under Water podcast editors by emailing talkingunderwater@endeavorb2b.com [talkingunderwater@endeavorb2b.com] engaging with them on X @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.

Digital tools are changing how water utilities handle flooding

In this episode of Talking Underwater, Stormwater Solutions Head of Content Sarah Kominek speaks with Manuel Parra of Xylem Vue about how digital tools are changing the way municipalities prepare for and respond to flooding. The conversation explores how communities can use existing infrastructure more effectively, why high-quality data matters as much as data collection, and how predictive analytics, modeling, and AI can support faster, smarter decisions during wet weather events. Parra also shares real-world examples from Houston and Buffalo to show how practical, scalable flood-control technology can help reduce risk, improve operations, and protect lives.  Key Moments  * 00:00 - Episode introduction and overview of why flood prediction is becoming more urgent  * 01:54 - How digital flood-control applications help municipalities respond to severe weather events  * 03:11 - Tools emergency managers use today, from sensors and rain gauges to models and AI  * 04:24 - Why data quality, not just data quantity, is critical for effective flood response  * 06:25 - Houston example: underpass flood detection and public alerts using existing infrastructure  * 08:05 - Buffalo example: preemptive system management that helped reduce combined sewer overflows  * 10:12 - What integrating digital technology with existing stormwater infrastructure looks like in practice  * 11:35 - The role of predictive analytics and AI in supporting operator decisions  * 13:16 - How climate variability changes the baseline and why models must keep evolving  * 14:32 - Regulatory and liability considerations tied to better infrastructure management  * 15:34 - How smaller or under-resourced communities can adopt lower-cost, right-sized solutions  * 17:34 - Typical lead times for flood prediction and why every minute counts  * 18:35 - Final takeaway: flood technology does not have to be overly complex to make a major impact  About the Podcast       Talking Under Water is the premier podcast for the water industry, including municipal water and wastewater, residential water treatment, storm water management and erosion control. It is produced in coordination between Wastewater Digest (WWD), WaterWorld and Stormwater Solutions (SWS). The podcast covers topics under the One Water movement including the municipal and industrial water and wastewater, residential, stormwater and erosion control markets. Talking Under Water highlights news, trends, new technologies, industry discussions and interviews with experts across the municipal water industry. New episodes of the podcast are released every other week. Logo Images: Anatoly Tiplyashin / Romolo Tavani / stock.adobe.com.       Contact the Talking Under Water podcast editors by emailing talkingunderwater@endeavorb2b.com [talkingunderwater@endeavorb2b.com] engaging with them on X @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.

Microplastics, Infrastructure Failures, and Stormwater News

In this episode Talking Under Water the co-hosts discuss the addition of microplastics to the EPA’s Sixth Contaminant Candidate List (CCL6), enforcement fallout from the Potomac interceptor sewer collapse, industrial wastewater sampling tied to a Tesla facility in Texas, and recent stormwater headlines across the U.S.  Show notes How EPA Regulates Drinking Water Contaminants [https://www.epa.gov/sdwa/how-epa-regulates-drinking-water-contaminants] CCL 6 Frequent Questions [https://www.epa.gov/ccl/ccl-6-frequent-questions] Drinking Water Contaminant Candidate List 6-Draft [https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/06/2026-06662/drinking-water-contaminant-candidate-list-6-draft] Drinking Water Contaminant Candidate List 6 (CCL 6) Docket Folder [https://southcomm-my.sharepoint.com/personal/mcrispin_endeavorb2b_com/Documents/Drinking%20Water%20Contaminant%20Candidate%20List%206%20(CCL%206)] Water Research Foundation Project 5155 (Consumer messaging guidance, microplastics) [https://www.waterrf.org/research/projects/developing-strategic-consumer-messaging-microplastics-drinking-water-supplies] Understanding microplastics in water: Fact vs. fiction (Brent Alspach video interview) [https://www.waterworld.com/drinking-water-treatment/video/55296626/understanding-microplastics-in-water-fact-vs-fiction] WaterWorld subscription [https://www.waterworld.com/magazine] EPA, DOJ sue DC Water over Potomac Interceptor collapse [https://www.wwdmag.com/compliance-regulations/news/55372240/epa-doj-sue-dc-water-over-potomac-interceptor-collapse] Lab analysis details wastewater characteristics at Tesla-linked site in Texas [https://www.wwdmag.com/compliance-regulations/news/55372771/lab-analysis-details-wastewater-characteristics-at-tesla-linked-site-in-texas] Poll: Which wastewater process area will you focus on this year? [https://www.wwdmag.com/processimprovement2026] Charleston seeks $4.6 million to replace flood-prone homes with rain gardens, retention ponds  [https://www.stormwater.com/stormwater-management/flood-control/news/55373662/charleston-seeks-46-million-to-buy-out-flood-prone-homes-build-retention-space] Grand Canyon eases water restrictions as aging system challenges persist [https://www.stormwater.com/stormwater-management/news/55372594/grand-canyon-eases-water-restrictions-as-aging-system-challenges-persist] L.A. County captures record 120 billion gallons of stormwater, boosting local supply [https://www.stormwater.com/stormwater-management/news/55372963/la-county-captures-record-120-billion-gallons-of-stormwater-boosting-local-supply] Timestamps 00:00 Cold open 00:48 Introduction 01:27 EPA/HHS joint initiative announced to address microplastics 02:13 What the CCL is and how EPA uses it 02:39 How EPA decides whether to regulate (three criteria) 04:02 Draft CCL6 overview (chemicals, microbes, and groups) 05:01 Public comment process + key deadline 05:54 STOMP program explained 09:02 Potomac interceptor collapse 11:05 Tesla-linked wastewater characteristics  13:03 Douglas County, NV stormwater utility and rate proposals 14:33 Charleston, SC buyouts + rain gardens/retention 15:34 Grand Canyon National Park water system update 16:05 LA County stormwater capture numbers 17:07 Housekeeping About the Podcast Talking Under Water is the premier podcast for the water industry, including municipal water and wastewater, residential water treatment, storm water management and erosion control. It is produced in coordination between Wastewater Digest (WWD), WaterWorld and Storm Water Solutions (SWS). The podcast covers topics under the One Water movement including the municipal and industrial water and wastewater, residential, stormwater and erosion control markets. Talking Under Water highlights news, trends, new technologies, industry discussions and interviews with experts across the municipal water industry. New episodes of the podcast are released every other week. Logo Images: Anatoly Tiplyashin / Romolo Tavani / stock.adobe.com.     Contact the Talking Under Water podcast editors by emailing talkingunderwater@endeavorb2b.com [talkingunderwater@endeavorb2b.com] engaging with them on X @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.

Voices from Water Week 2026: Ensuring Resilience and Affordability in Water Systems

In this episode Talking Under Water co-host Bob Crossen discusses Water Week 2026 where key figures recorded messages from the event. The episode features firsthand perspectives from water sector leaders who gathered in Washington, D.C., for the annual Water Policy Fly‑In to advocate for national water priorities. Through voice memos from leaders at the Water Environment Federation, American Water Works Association, National Association of Clean Water Agencies, and utility representatives from across the country, listeners hear a consistent message: federal investment in water infrastructure is critical. Speakers point to concerns around declining State Revolving Fund support, the need for long‑term affordability, and the growing financial and regulatory pressures of PFAS management. Utility leaders explain how tools like SRF loans help keep water affordable for customers, especially as infrastructure ages and compliance costs rise. Crossen also reflects on related conversations with utility directors beyond Capitol Hill, tying Water Week priorities to broader operational challenges such as biosolids management, inflow and infiltration, and emerging technology needs. Together, these insights illustrate why coordinated advocacy and sustained federal support remain essential to the health, resilience, and affordability of water and wastewater systems nationwide. Timestamps * 00:00 – Introduction * 00:21 – Water Week 2026 overview and purpose of the DC Fly‑In * 00:51 – Overview of expert voice memos from WEF and AWWA * 01:28 – Steve Dye (WEF) on energy, momentum, and advocacy on Capitol Hill * 02:49 – Danielle Cloutier (NACWA) on record turnout and engagement with Congress * 03:41 – Joint water sector priorities highlighted in the Water Week press release * 03:47 – Key policy issues: infrastructure funding, PFAS, affordability, and “Do Not Flush” labels * 04:53 – Cynthia Lane (AWWA) on building relationships and advancing legislation * 05:59 – SRF, WIFIA, and growing funding tension for utilities * 06:55 – Cynthia Lane post‑meeting recap from Capitol Hill * 07:43 – Liesel Gross on infrastructure funding and PFAS * 08:38 – Jason Barrett on aging infrastructure needs * 09:14 – SRF funding, affordability, and economies of scale * 11:07 – Connecting Water Week themes to PFAS, biosolids, and geopolitics * 12:25 – Inflow and infiltration as a growing national challenge * 12:44 – Emerging technologies, SCADA integration, and AI interest * 13:19 – Why federal policy decisions matter for local utilities * 13:53 – Closing thanks to WEF and AWWA contributors * 14:12 – Housekeeping   Resources: * Use code WWD15 to get 15% off your attendee pass when you register at StormCon.com.   About the Podcast Talking Under Water is the premier podcast for the water industry, including municipal water and wastewater, residential water treatment, storm water management and erosion control. It is produced in coordination between Wastewater Digest (WWD), WaterWorld and Storm Water Solutions (SWS). The podcast covers topics under the One Water movement including the municipal and industrial water and wastewater, residential, stormwater and erosion control markets. Talking Under Water highlights news, trends, new technologies, industry discussions and interviews with experts across the municipal water industry. New episodes of the podcast are released every other week. Logo Images: Anatoly Tiplyashin / Romolo Tavani / stock.adobe.com.     Contact the Talking Under Water podcast editors by emailing talkingunderwater@endeavorb2b.com [talkingunderwater@endeavorb2b.com] engaging with them on X @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.

The battle over Colorado River resources is brewing

In this episode Talking Under Water co-hosts discuss escalating water use restrictions in Denver, the broader legal and political fight over Colorado River allocations, and what differing conservation strategies reveal about the future of water management in the West. The conversation begins with Denver Water’s declaration of a Stage 1 drought, outlining outdoor watering limits, fines for repeat violations, and how these measures compare with long‑standing, highly structured conservation programs in Southern Nevada. The episode then zooms out to the Colorado River basin, breaking down the growing split between upper and lower basin states, the looming possibility of Supreme Court litigation, and disagreements over delivery obligations rooted in the 1922 Colorado River Compact. The hosts explore what water scarcity could mean for cities, agriculture, and priority water rights, and why the lack of a statewide curtailment plan in Colorado raises serious questions. In additional news, the podcast reflects on the passing of Dr. James Barnard, a pioneering figure in biological nutrient removal, and covers bipartisan federal efforts to fund advanced wastewater treatment for PFAS. The episode rounds out with updates on sediment cleanups, beach water quality monitoring, stormwater permitting debates, and ongoing concerns about affordability as utilities face increasing regulatory and infrastructure demands.  Show Notes: Denver water restrictions expected to begin March 25 amid near-record low snowpack [https://www.9news.com/article/news/local/denver-water-restrictions-set-to-begin-march-25/73-85c719b8-30f1-4f2d-8bea-b9de06e65251] Denver Water Rules for outdoor water use [https://www.denverwater.org/residential/rebates-and-conservation-tips/summer-watering-rules] Denver Water’s 2026 Water Budget Program [https://www.denverwater.org/business/rebates-and-conservation-tips/water-budget-program] The Colorado River is on the brink of possible forced water cuts. One thing is certain: There will be lawyers. [https://coloradosun.com/2026/03/27/colorado-river-states-potential-water-cuts-legal-battles/] Las Vegas Valley Conservation Schedule [https://www.snwa.com/conservation/change-your-irrigation-clock/index.html] Las Vegas Valley water waste fees and policies [https://www.lvvwd.com/conservation/water-waste/fees-and-policies/index.html] Lower Colorado River Basin states agree to conserve 3 million acre-feet of water [https://www.waterworld.com/drinking-water-treatment/distribution/press-release/14294256/lower-colorado-river-basin-states-agree-to-conserve-3-million-acre-feet-of-water] (2023) Opposing viewpoints: what the Colorado River water allocation debate is about, and who has piped up [https://www.waterworld.com/water-utility-management/news/55357951/colorado-river-states-miss-deadline-as-lower-upper-basin-tensions-sharpen-over-post-2026-cuts] Water Technology [https://www.watertechonline.com] House advances BEACH Act reauthorization to strengthen water quality monitoring [https://www.stormwater.com/stormwater-management/news/55366513/house-advances-beach-act-reauthorization-to-strengthen-water-quality-monitoring] EPA resumes Cuyahoga River sediment cleanup in Ohio [https://www.stormwater.com/erosion-control/sediment-control/news/55366751/epa-resumes-cuyahoga-river-sediment-cleanup-in-ohio] EPA resumes final phase of Rouge River sediment cleanup in Detroit [https://www.stormwater.com/erosion-control/sediment-control/news/55367984/epa-resumes-final-phase-of-rouge-river-sediment-cleanup-in-detroit] PFAS contamination raises new concerns in Louisiana facility's stormwater discharges [https://www.stormwater.com/stormwater-bmps/compliance/news/55366221/pfas-contamination-raises-new-concerns-in-louisiana-facilitys-stormwater-discharges] Stormwater sector pushes back as Washington targets permits: rules and affordable housing can coexist [https://www.stormwater.com/stormwater-bmps/standards-and-regulations/article/55367318/as-washington-targets-stormwater-permits-the-sector-says-housing-affordability-and-strong-stormwater-management-dont-have-to-be-at-odds] Wastewater pioneer James Barnard dies at 90 [https://wwdmag.com/55365504]  Bipartisan bill targets funding for advanced wastewater treatment and PFAS removal [https://wwdmag.com/55365839] EPA seeks public input on financial capability guidance for wastewater upgrades [https://wwdmag.com/55367948] Timestamps:   * 01:23 – Denver Water declares Stage 1 drought * 02:18 – Stage 1 drought rules explained * 04:11 – Colorado River basin context * 05:31 – The 1922 Colorado River Compact * 06:51 – Lower basin conservation agreement * 07:45 – States respond as litigation looms * 08:41 – Nevada water conservation comparison * 10:31 – Potential impacts to Colorado water users * 12:12 – Agriculture vs. municipal water use debate * 14:32 – Passing of Dr. James Barnard * 15:22 – PFAS treatment funding proposal * 16:20 – EPA affordability guidance update * 17:16 – Federal water policy & cleanup updates * 19:24 – PFAS contamination incident * 20:09 – Stormwater permitting under scrutiny * 20:44 – Housekeeping   Resources: *   Use code WWD15 to get 15% off your attendee pass when you register at StormCon.com. *   About the Podcast Talking Under Water is the premier podcast for the water industry, including municipal water and wastewater, residential water treatment, storm water management and erosion control. It is produced in coordination between Wastewater Digest (WWD), WaterWorld and Storm Water Solutions (SWS). The podcast covers topics under the One Water movement including the municipal and industrial water and wastewater, residential, stormwater and erosion control markets. Talking Under Water highlights news, trends, new technologies, industry discussions and interviews with experts across the municipal water industry. New episodes of the podcast are released every other week. Logo Images: Anatoly Tiplyashin / Romolo Tavani / stock.adobe.com.     Contact the Talking Under Water podcast editors by emailing talkingunderwater@endeavorb2b.com [talkingunderwater@endeavorb2b.com] engaging with them on X @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.