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 The evolving landscape of PFAS regulations demands close attention. While federal guidelines solidify, individual states are increasingly taking their own measures to regulate PFAS and ensure compliance. Understanding these diverse state actions is crucial for effective water resource management and policy analysis.   Federal efforts, like the EPA’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap and the TSCA Section…

Subsidence – the gradual caving in or sinking of land – is significantly limiting California’s water delivery capabilities. A recent technical report confirms that this land collapse, primarily driven by groundwater over-pumping impacts, already affects deliveries and could drastically reduce them without immediate, substantial action. This subsidence occurs when excessive groundwater is withdrawn from aquifers,…

A new federal order to increased timber production nation-wide will impact all 18 of California’s national forests. While total areas impacted are unknown, this new initiative raises concerns about forest management impacts and potential risks to water resources. The order aims to increase total US timber output by 25%, citing economic benefits and wildfire risk…

Advancing sustainable groundwater management financing is a critical hurdle in the successful implementation of California’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). While SGMA provides a flexible framework for local Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs) to manage groundwater resources, the financial aspects of developing and executing Groundwater Sustainability Plans (Plans) require careful attention.   The implementation of these…

The changes to PFAS regulation significantly impacts the water and wastewater industries. Understanding the current status of drinking water MCLs, CERCLA PFAS liability, and wastewater discharge limits is crucial for informed decision-making.   What hasn’t changed: Drinking water MCLs, finalized in April 2024, remain the standard for PFAS regulation. Water systems are in the process…

A comprehensive global study on flooding has revealed the significant (and long-term) health impacts. It shows a 26 percent higher risk of hospitalization for various diseases up to seven months after a flood. This research, which analyzed over 300 million records across eight countries, underscored the widespread consequences of these increasingly common events linked to…

There are 7 states in the Colorado River Basin (Basin), all which employ various levels of water reuse. For example, Arizona has a robust water recycling program. Research indicates that Arizona recycles over half of its treated wastewater, placing it at the forefront of water recycling efforts within the Basin, second only to Nevada.  …

The Texas Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 7, prioritizing Texas water supply development through funding for desalination, Texas-produced water treatment, and reservoir projects. The Bill aims to address the state’s growing water needs amidst population growth and drought concerns.   The bill focuses on diversifying Texas water supply development by investing in new sources of…

A new report highlights a critical role for state and local leaders in addressing the growing financial and infrastructure challenges facing US water and wastewater utilities. With an estimated $110 billion funding gap in 2024, set to balloon to $194 billion by 2030, the sector is struggling to keep pace with aging infrastructure, rising operational…