Most of us use technology that contains lithium every day. Lithium is a chemical element of growing concern for water quality managers and public health officials as it finds its way into the environment via battery disposal, mining, and pharmaceuticals. Though the soft, silvery-white alkali metal occurs naturally, lithium is increasingly utilized in manmade products Read More
Lead Service Line Inventory Final Deadline
When the final Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) rule was announced in October 2023, the deadline to create a baseline inventory of the pipe materials seemed far in the future. As of this month, the clock is ticking to finalize your system’s service line inventory. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) wants your completed Read More
USEPA Launches Study of Drinking Water Pollutants
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) is undertaking a new scientific study to improve the understanding of what pollutants may be present in drinking water. The research will screen for a broad array of pollutants, including pharmaceuticals, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and more than 1,000 potential contaminants. The study will use Non-Targeted Analysis, which Read More
Microplastic Movements: Water Treatment Facilities and Consumer Products
Microplastics (MPs) are a growing concern in the water industry. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) continues to identify contaminants of concern, which serve as the source of candidates for the lists included in the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR) framework. A few emerging contaminants have been identified for potential future regulation, with significant concerns Read More
Appeals Court Upholds PFAS “Hazardous Substances” Designation
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) decision to designate some so-called “forever chemicals” as hazardous substances has been upheld by an appeals court. The decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. means companies that create or transport per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) may be held responsible for the future cleanup costs associated Read More
Additional Input Requested on Updated WOTUS Rule
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the U.S. Department of the Army (Army) announced a Supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in September to gather public input on additional regulatory language for defining “waters of the United States” (WOTUS). The additional input will be considered when updating the 2025 proposed rule. Federal OR State, Tribal, Local Jurisdiction? The supplemental proposed Read More