WFOA Weekly Water Industry Briefing
Week of: August 24, 2026
Key Takeaways
- The D.C. Circuit has upheld the EPA’s designation of PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances, keeping PFAS squarely in regulatory and cleanup focus. (Source: WaterWorld)
- New Jersey approved a $2.5 billion settlement with DuPont and 3M over PFAS — a major state-level step that may fund testing and remediation. (Source: WaterWorld)
- The EPA finalized new lead-pipe guidance aimed at reducing childhood lead exposure; homeowners with older plumbing should confirm whether they have lead service lines and consider testing or certified filters. (Sources: E&E News by POLITICO; WebWire)
- The CDC published practical guidance for private wells after wildfires — well owners should follow the CDC checklist and test before drinking. (Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
- Drought and weather events remain acute: Lake Powell hit a record low and Hawaiʻi County urged essential water use after Hurricane Lala — be prepared for local restrictions and conserve where asked. (Sources: WaterWorld; WaterWorld)
1. Top Homeowner Stories of the Week
- D.C. Circuit upholds EPA’s designation of PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances — The federal appeals court affirmed EPA’s classification of two major PFAS chemicals as hazardous substances, reinforcing the agency’s ability to require cleanup and regulations.
Why it matters: This preserves regulatory tools that can require testing, cleanup, and possibly funding for impacted water supplies; homeowners worried about PFAS in tap water should watch for local testing and cleanup announcements.
Source: WaterWorld, https://www.waterworld.com/drinking-water-treatment/pfas/news/55399036/dc-circuit-upholds-epas-designation-of-pfoa-and-pfos-as-hazardous-substances
- New Jersey approves $2.5B PFAS settlements with DuPont, 3M — The state approved a major settlement with manufacturers over PFAS contamination claims.
Why it matters: Settlement funds can be directed to testing, treatment, and remediation in affected communities — homeowners in New Jersey should monitor where settlement money will be used and whether their water system will be tested or upgraded.
Source: WaterWorld, https://www.waterworld.com/drinking-water-treatment/pfas/news/55397495/new-jersey-approves-25b-pfas-settlements-with-dupont-3m
- EPA finalizes lead pipe guidance aimed at reducing childhood exposure — The EPA issued final guidance to reduce lead exposure from drinking water, drawing criticism from some environmental groups but moving forward with lead-reduction steps.
Why it matters: Guidance can accelerate lead-service-line identification and replacement efforts and influence what utilities offer homeowners; if your home has older plumbing, testing and using a certified point-of-use filter or replacing lines may be needed.
Source: E&E News by POLITICO, https://www.eenews.net/articles/epa-finalizes-lead-pipe-guidance-over-enviro-objections/
Source: WebWire, https://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId
- Private wells after a wildfire — CDC published guidance for private well owners on risks and recovery steps after wildfire events.
Why it matters: If you rely on a private well and your area experienced wildfire, follow CDC steps (inspection, flushing, testing) before using well water for drinking or food preparation to reduce contamination risks.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | CDC (.gov), https://www.cdc.gov/environmental-health-services/php/water/private-wells-after-a-wildfire.html
- Lake Powell hits record low as Colorado River crisis deepens — Lake Powell reached a new low, underscoring long-term supply stress across the Colorado River Basin.
Why it matters: Households and communities served by Colorado River water are at higher risk of tighter water allocations, conservation mandates, and long-term supply changes; homeowners should be prepared to reduce outdoor and nonessential use if asked.
Source: WaterWorld, https://www.waterworld.com/water-utility-management/news/55398372/lake-powell-hits-record-low-as-colorado-river-crisis-deepens
- Hawaiʻi County urges essential water use following Hurricane Lala — Local officials requested residents and businesses limit water use in the storm’s aftermath.
Why it matters: Short-term conservation requests can affect lawn care, car washing, and other nonessential uses; follow local advisories to avoid service interruptions and support system recovery.
Source: WaterWorld, https://www.waterworld.com/water-utility-management/news/55398763/hawaii-county-urges-essential-water-use-following-hurricane-lala
2. PFAS & Contaminant Updates
- D.C. Circuit upholds EPA designation of PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances — Court decision supports EPA authority to treat these PFAS chemicals as hazardous for cleanup and enforcement.
Why it matters: This legal status can speed or expand cleanup and testing programs that affect community water supplies; homeowners in impacted areas should expect continued regulatory action and potentially new testing.
Source: WaterWorld, https://www.waterworld.com/drinking-water-treatment/pfas/news/55399036/dc-circuit-upholds-epas-designation-of-pfoa-and-pfos-as-hazardous-substances
- New Jersey $2.5 billion PFAS settlements with DuPont and 3M — State-level approval of a large settlement related to PFAS contamination.
Why it matters: The settlement is a major funding source for remediation/testing in New Jersey; affected residents should watch for where funds are allocated and whether their water systems will be evaluated or remediated.
Source: WaterWorld, https://www.waterworld.com/drinking-water-treatment/pfas/news/55397495/new-jersey-approves-25b-pfas-settlements-with-dupont-3m
- Public advocacy: Call to keep PFAS out of food and water — Commentary urging EPA and policymakers to prevent PFAS contamination of food and water supplies.
Why it matters: Ongoing public and political pressure can shape stricter rules or cleanup priorities that affect residential exposures.
Source: Charleston City Paper, https://charlestoncitypaper.com/2026/08/21/zhuang-tell-epa-to-keep-toxic-pfas-out-of-food-water/
- De Nora selected to provide PFAS treatment for reuse facility — A technology vendor was chosen to provide PFAS treatment for a major reuse project (industrial/municipal context).
Why it matters: Municipal and reuse projects incorporating PFAS treatment can reduce PFAS reintroduction to local water supplies and may influence utility-level treatment options that protect customers.
Source: WaterWorld, https://www.waterworld.com/water-reuse/news/55391351/de-nora-de-nora-selected-to-provide-pfas-treatment-for-hrsds-swift-reuse-facility
- Three industrial water contamination sites removed or partially removed from EPA Superfund list — Indicates progress or conclusion of cleanup at certain industrial sites.
Why it matters: Removals suggest successful remediation at some contaminated sites, but nearby homeowners should confirm local results and any follow-up monitoring.
Source: Water Tech Online, https://www.watertechonline.com/industry/chemical/article/55399503/three-industrial-water-contamination-sites-deleted-or-partially-removed-from-epa-superfund-priority-list
3. Regulations & Policy Changes Affecting Households
- EPA releases guidance and checklist to help states identify systemic water system issues — The EPA issued new guidance and a checklist aimed at helping state agencies spot problems at water systems before they become emergencies.
Why it matters: States using the checklist may detect failing systems sooner, leading to earlier fixes or notices that affect customers; this could mean more local inspections or investments that benefit homeowners.
Source: Water Finance & Management, https://waterfm.com/epa-releases-new-state-agency-guidance-to-identify-systemic-issues-at-water-systems/
Source: WaterWorld, https://www.waterworld.com/water-utility-management/news/55398143/epa-releases-checklist-to-help-states-identify-systemic-water-system-issues
- EPA finalizes lead-pipe guidance and releases child-protection guidance — The agency finalized guidance aimed at reducing lead exposure from drinking water and emphasized protecting children.
Why it matters: This policy signal can encourage more aggressive lead-service-line replacement and targeting of resources; homeowners in older homes should verify service-line materials and consider testing or filters certified for lead reduction.
Source: E&E News by POLITICO, https://www.eenews.net/articles/epa-finalizes-lead-pipe-guidance-over-enviro-objections/
Source: WebWire, https://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId
- WQA supports Senate bill including a point-of-use treatment pilot — The industry association backed legislation that would pilot point-of-use (POU) treatment options.
Why it matters: If enacted, pilots could expand funding and data for household-level treatment solutions where system-level treatment is not yet available. Homeowners could see options or subsidies for certified POU units.
Source: WaterWorld, https://www.waterworld.com/drinking-water-treatment/news/55392363/wqa-backs-senate-drinking-water-bill-with-point-of-use-treatment-pilot
- EPA advances expedited fluoride health assessment under the Safe Drinking Water Act — The agency is accelerating review of fluoride health effects.
Why it matters: Depending on findings, state and local fluoridation policies or consumer guidance could change; homeowners in fluoridated communities should watch for updates and local notices.
Source: WaterWorld, https://www.waterworld.com/drinking-water-treatment/news/55395551/epa-advances-expedited-fluoride-health-assessment-under-safe-drinking-water-act
- Elected official opposes rollback of state drinking water protections — Coverage of political pushback around proposed rollbacks in Wisconsin.
Why it matters: Proposed rollbacks and the political responses could affect state-level protections for drinking water; homeowners in affected states should follow local news and regulatory hearings.
Source: Legis1, https://legis1.com/news/epa-drinking-water-wisconsin-baldwin-fights
- SW EFC secures $7 million EPA award to support small water systems — Funding to help small systems build capacity and address challenges.
Why it matters: Small-system improvements translate directly into safer, more reliable service for homes served by those systems.
Source: EPA / UNM Newsroom, https://news.unm.edu/news/sw-efc-secures-7-million-epa-award-to-support-small-water-systems
4. Infrastructure & Supply Issues
- Lake Powell hits record low — Ongoing Colorado River shortages are reaching new milestones, with implications for allocations and long-term supply planning.
Why it matters: If you live in the Colorado River Basin, expect increased conservation measures and potential rate or supply impacts as managers respond to declining storage.
Source: WaterWorld, https://www.waterworld.com/water-utility-management/news/55398372/lake-powell-hits-record-low-as-colorado-river-crisis-deepens
- Hawaiʻi County urges essential water use following Hurricane Lala — Local officials requested residents limit usage while systems recover.
Why it matters: Short-term conservation helps prevent service interruptions and supports repairs — follow local utility notices.
Source: WaterWorld, https://www.waterworld.com/water-utility-management/news/55398763/hawaii-county-urges-essential-water-use-following-hurricane-lala
- This American City Fighting Nitrates Out of the Tap — Coverage of a Midwestern city (Corn Belt region) tackling nitrate contamination in drinking water and the local responses.
Why it matters: Nitrates are a common agricultural contaminant affecting drinking water; homeowners in farming regions should confirm whether their system monitors for nitrates and consider testing private wells.
Source: Circle of Blue, https://www.circleofblue.org/2026/supply/water-quality/pollution/nitrate-is-poisoning-the-corn-belt/
- Missouri awards $2.4 million to upgrade Fisk drinking water system — Funding for a small-system upgrade.
Why it matters: Targeted upgrades can improve water quality and reliability for affected households. Homeowners in Fisk should follow local project timelines.
Source: WaterWorld, https://www.waterworld.com/smart-water-utility/news/55369302/missouri-awards-24-million-to-upgrade-fisk-drinking-water-system
5. Practical Takeaways for Homeowners
- If you have a private well and your area experienced wildfire, follow CDC guidance: inspect the well, avoid using untreated water for drinking or food prep until it’s checked, and get water tested. (Source: CDC, https://www.cdc.gov/environmental-health-services/php/water/private-wells-after-a-wildfire.html)
- If your home was built before the 1980s or you’re unsure about service-line material, check with your utility about lead service lines, consider testing your tap water for lead, and use filters certified to NSF/ANSI standards for lead reduction if needed. (Sources: E&E News by POLITICO, https://www.eenews.net/articles/epa-finalizes-lead-pipe-guidance-over-enviro-objections/; WebWire, https://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId)
- Concerned about PFAS? Watch for local testing announcements and remediation funding (e.g., New Jersey settlement); where contamination is a risk, certified point-of-use/point-of-entry treatment can reduce exposure. (Sources: WaterWorld, https://www.waterworld.com/drinking-water-treatment/pfas/news/55399036/dc-circuit-upholds-epas-designation-of-pfoa-and-pfos-as-hazardous-substances; https://www.waterworld.com/drinking-water-treatment/pfas/news/55397495/new-jersey-approves-25b-pfas-settlements-with-dupont-3m)
- Prepare to conserve: if you live in the Colorado River Basin or a region hit by storms, follow local utility requests for reduced use and have a short-term conservation plan (shorter showers, delay irrigation). (Sources: WaterWorld, https://www.waterworld.com/water-utility-management/news/55398372/lake-powell-hits-record-low-as-colorado-river-crisis-deepens; https://www.waterworld.com/water-utility-management/news/55398763/hawaii-county-urges-essential-water-use-following-hurricane-lala)
- Keep an eye on state and utility notices: EPA checklists and new guidance to states may produce more local inspections, notices, and funding opportunities that directly affect service and testing. (Source: WaterWorld, https://www.waterworld.com/water-utility-management/news/55398143/epa-releases-checklist-to-help-states-identify-systemic-water-system-issues)
6. Industry & Municipal News (Lower Priority)
- EPA opens $10.8M grant window to train water sector workers — Grants aim to build workforce capacity across utilities. (Source: waterworld.com, https://www.waterworld.com/water-utility-management/news/55399760/epa-makes-108m-available-for-water-workforce-training)
- Jacobs selected for a $750M Utah water infrastructure project — Major municipal infrastructure contracting news; relevant to regional supply planning but not directly to household actions. (Source: WaterWorld, https://www.waterworld.com/water-utility-management/news/55399444/jacobs-selected-for-750m-utah-water-infrastructure-project)
- De Nora selected to provide PFAS treatment for a reuse facility — Municipal-scale PFAS treatment deployment. (Source: WaterWorld, https://www.waterworld.com/water-reuse/news/55391351/de-nora-de-nora-selected-to-provide-pfas-treatment-for-hrsds-swift-reuse-facility)
7. Closing Summary
This week’s news reinforces two steady trends for homeowners: contaminants (PFAS, lead, nitrates) remain a focus of legal and regulatory action, and weather-related supply stresses continue to create short-term conservation needs. Practical steps—know your water source, test when risks arise (wildfire, agricultural contamination, or aging plumbing), and use certified treatment or follow official advisories—are the best ways to protect your household water quality.
8. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should I test my private well after a wildfire?
A: Yes. The CDC published guidance advising private-well owners to inspect wells and test water following wildfire events before using it for drinking or food preparation. Follow CDC steps and local public-health guidance. (Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | CDC (.gov), https://www.cdc.gov/environmental-health-services/php/water/private-wells-after-a-wildfire.html)
Q: Does the D.C. Circuit decision on PFAS affect my tap water?
A: The court upheld EPA’s designation of PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances, which strengthens EPA’s legal tools for cleanup and regulation. That can lead to more testing and cleanup in affected areas; homeowners should watch for local sampling and remediation announcements. (Source: WaterWorld, https://www.waterworld.com/drinking-water-treatment/pfas/news/55399036/dc-circuit-upholds-epas-designation-of-pfoa-and-pfos-as-hazardous-substances)
Q: My home is old—should I be worried about lead in my water?
A: If your home has older plumbing or lead service lines, you should consider testing for lead and contacting your water utility about service-line material and replacement programs. The EPA finalized lead-pipe guidance to reduce exposure, so expect more utility action and guidance. Using a filter certified for lead reduction is a common interim step. (Sources: E&E News by POLITICO, https://www.eenews.net/articles/epa-finalizes-lead-pipe-guidance-over-enviro-objections/; WebWire, https://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId)
Q: What can I do about PFAS in my water if my utility hasn’t tested?
A: Monitor local utility notices for PFAS testing and funding (e.g., state settlements). Where PFAS are a concern and system treatment isn’t yet available, point-of-use or point-of-entry systems certified for PFAS reduction can be considered; consult local health or utility guidance. (Sources: WaterWorld, https://www.waterworld.com/drinking-water-treatment/pfas/news/55397495/new-jersey-approves-25b-pfas-settlements-with-dupont-3m; https://www.waterworld.com/drinking-water-treatment/pfas/news/55399036/dc-circuit-upholds-epas-designation-of-pfoa-and-pfos-as-hazardous-substances)
Q: Should I be conserving water now because of Lake Powell and recent storms?
A: Yes if you are in an affected region or your local utility has issued a conservation request. Lake Powell’s record low underscores long-term Colorado River stress; hurricanes and storm damage can also lead to short-term conservation requests. Follow your utility’s requests to avoid interruptions. (Source: WaterWorld, https://www.waterworld.com/water-utility-management/news/55398372/lake-powell-hits-record-low-as-colorado-river-crisis-deepens; https://www.waterworld.com/water-utility-management/news/55398763/hawaii-county-urges-essential-water-use-following-hurricane-lala)
If you want, I can pull the most relevant local utilities and resources (state health lab, local water utility contact) for your area so you know where to test or whom to call.
Sources & References
- SW EFC secures $7 million EPA award to support small water systems - EPA / UNM Newsroom (2026-08-20)
- EPA releases new state agency guidance to identify ‘systemic issues’ at water systems - EPA / Water Finance & Management (2026-08-17)
- EPA makes $10.8M available for water workforce training - EPA / waterworld.com (2026-08-21)
- Baldwin Fights EPA Rollback of Wisconsin Drinking Water Protections - EPA / Legis1 (2026-08-17)
- EPA finalizes lead pipe guidance over enviro objections - EPA / E&E News by POLITICO (2026-08-21)
- Zhuang: Tell EPA to keep toxic PFAS out of food, water - Statehouse - EPA / Charleston City Paper (2026-08-21)
- Three Industrial Water Contamination Sites Deleted or Partially Removed from EPA Superfund Priority List - EPA / Water Tech Online (2026-08-20)
- EPA Releases New Guidance to Reduce Lead Exposure in Drinking Water, Protect American Children - EPA / WebWire (2026-08-21)
- Private Wells after a Wildfire | Environmental Health Services - EPA / Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | CDC (.gov) (2026-08-18)
- Jacobs selected for $750M Utah water infrastructure project - WaterWorld
- D.C. Circuit upholds EPA’s designation of PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances - WaterWorld
- Hawaiʻi County urges essential water use following Hurricane Lala - WaterWorld
- New Jersey approves $2.5B PFAS settlements with DuPont, 3M - WaterWorld
- EPA advances expedited fluoride health assessment under Safe Drinking Water Act - WaterWorld
- WQA backs Senate drinking water bill with point-of-use treatment pilot - WaterWorld
- Lake Powell hits record low as Colorado River crisis deepens - WaterWorld
- EPA releases checklist to help states identify systemic water system issues - WaterWorld
- De Nora selected to provide PFAS treatment for HRSD's SWIFT reuse facility - WaterWorld
- Missouri awards $2.4 million to upgrade Fisk drinking water system - WaterWorld
- This American City Perfected Clean Water for Beer — Now It’s Fighting to Keep Cancer-Causing Nitrates Out of the Tap - Keith Schneider (2026-08-20)
Compiled by the Water Filters of America editorial team from public water-industry news sources. WFOA specializes in home water filtration and treatment for well and municipal water supplies. This briefing is general information, not a substitute for guidance from your local health department or water utility.
