Associations representing water utilities, along with the chemical and manufacturing industries, have filed court challenges against the new federal rule to limit PFAS in drinking water. The American Water Works Association and the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies initiated the legal action, opposing the new limits. Following suit, the National Association of Manufacturers and the American Chemistry Council also challenged the rule.
While the water groups say they support the EPA's decision to develop a national PFAS regulation, they argue that the agency didn't use the best available data and appropriate processes in developing the rule.
"For example, we question the use of a novel ‘Hazard Index’ in place of a Maximum Contaminant Level for mixtures of certain PFAS, and the issuing of a preliminary determination to regulate certain PFAS simultaneously with the proposed rule," reads a joint statment from AWWA and AMWA. “The rule significantly underestimates nationwide costs, does not take into account the latest PFAS data, and will add to affordability challenges for many households without achieving the public health outcomes we all seek."
Utah Reservoirs Reach Highest Levels in Over a Decade
Utah’s reservoir system has surged to its highest capacity in 13 years, reaching 92% as the state concludes its spring snowmelt season. This marks a significant improvement since 2011, according to the Utah Division of Water Resources and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Notably, this excludes major bodies like Flaming Gorge, now at 84%, and Lake Powell, at 36%.
The report highlights that reservoirs in the Beaver, Duchesne, Price, Provo, Southeastern Utah, Tooele Valley and Weber-Ogden watersheds are nearly full, contributing to the statewide average. Less than two years ago, Utah's reservoirs had plummeted to 42% capacity due to severe drought. The dramatic recovery is attributed to two consecutive winters with above-average snowfall, significantly boosting the state’s water reserves.
New Hybrid Sewer System Offers Hope for Black Belt Town
Newbern, a small town in Alabama’s Black Belt with approximately 133 residents, is set to receive a crucial upgrade with a new 3-inch sewer line running through the town. This project, designed by civil engineering professors from the University of South Alabama, Auburn University and the University of Alabama, aims to address severe sanitation issues caused by failing septic systems. Currently, many residents rely on septic tanks that malfunction, leading to waste backups or straight-piping into the environment.
The hybrid sewer system combines on-site septic tanks for solid waste with a cost-effective method of pumping liquid waste through 3-inch PVC lines to a centralized treatment facility. This system is expected to serve about 150 homes within a five-mile radius, providing an affordable solution to public health problems related to untreated sewage. A recent ribbon-cutting ceremony for the pilot project, attended by around 140 people, marked a significant milestone for Newbern, offering a model that could benefit other communities facing similar challenges.
