Water Utilities Warn Of Significant Rate Hikes As EPA Mandates PFAS Removal

Water systems across the United States are bracing for substantial rate increases as they prepare to comply with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) new mandate to remove toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS from drinking water. The EPA’s rule, announced last month, requires utilities to filter out six types of PFAS if levels exceed the agency’s stringent thresholds.

PFAS, which have been linked to various cancers, weakened immune systems, and developmental issues in children, are ubiquitous in the environment due to their use in numerous products such as nonstick cookware, waterproof clothing, and firefighting foam. While the EPA’s rule aims to protect public health, the cost of compliance is expected to be significant.

Officials in Broward County, Florida, have warned that water rates could potentially triple for the county’s 230,000 residents. Similarly, Fort Worth, Texas, and water suppliers in the Buffalo, New York, area have expressed concerns about the financial impact on ratepayers.

Chris Moody, regulatory technical manager at the American Water Works Association, estimates that more than the EPA’s projection of 6-10% of water systems could be contaminated, requiring expensive filtration technology. While water providers have settled lawsuits against PFAS manufacturers, the settlements are not expected to cover the full cost of treatment.