News / Articles

White House Details EPA as Federal Lead on Potomac Interceptor Collapse and Response Efforts

Published On 2/20/2026

PA is now leading the federal response to the Potomac Interceptor collapse, which spilled over 240 million gallons of sewage into the river. The agency is coordinating repairs, oversight, and cleanup with DC Water to protect public health and regional water supplies.

Published On 2/13/2026

EPA is fast‑tracking a new fluoride health assessment under the Safe Drinking Water Act, releasing a transparent plan and literature survey for public comment. The review focuses on sensitive populations and may inform future drinking‑water regulations.

Published On 2/7/2026

EPA and Mexico are accelerating projects to permanently stop raw sewage flowing from Tijuana into Southern California. Under new agreements, both sides are funding upgrades, speeding timelines, and expanding treatment capacity to end the decades‑long crisis.

Published On 2/6/2026

EPA under the Trump Administration lists actions to address PFAS, including expanded testing, funding for treatment upgrades, stricter standards, cleanup efforts, and new detection methods, aiming to reduce exposure and support affected communities.

Published On 2/6/2026

EPA reports major 2025 progress on water‑sector cybersecurity, identifying vulnerabilities at 277 systems and fixing 350 issues. Working with CISA and states, the agency promotes basic cyber hygiene, offers free assessments, and funds upgrades to protect drinking water nationwide.

Published On 2/2/2026

The White House narrowed NEPA reviews to speed federal permitting, benefiting utility projects but raising risks. Shorter timelines and limited impact analyses may increase litigation and reduce long‑term resilience, leaving projects vulnerable to future environmental changes.

Published On 2/20/2026

NTP’s fluoride findings stem from high‑fluoride groundwater, not controlled U.S. fluoridation levels. Cotruvo argues misinterpretation is driving policy backlash, stressing that evidence doesn’t show risks at ~0.7 mg/L and that U.S. studies are still needed.

Published On 2/20/2026

A new PNAS paper claims PFAS‑tainted drinking water harms infants, but it lacks exposure data and relies on assumptions about groundwater flow. Critics argue the study overstates risk, ignores real‑world PFAS levels, and shouldn’t guide policy without stronger evidence.

Published On 2/20/2026

A study of 20 water kiosks found some RO‑treated vending machines dispensed water with lead above health guidelines due to corrosion of “lead‑free” brass parts. While PFAS and microbes were removed, weak regulation leaves kiosk water less protected than tap water.

Published On 2/13/2026

PFAS are persistent “forever chemicals” found in water, soil, and air, linked to cancer and immune, developmental, and hormonal harm. EPA’s new rules set strict limits, require monitoring, and drive costly treatment upgrades as utilities work to remove and manage PFAS contamination.

Published On 2/13/2026

Some U.S. water kiosks marketed as safer than tap water were found to dispense RO‑treated water with elevated lead levels, traced to corrosion of “lead‑free” brass parts. While kiosks removed microbes and PFAS, weak regulation leaves consumers exposed.

Published On 2/6/2026

DMAX Plasma, a Clarkson University spinoff, uses non‑thermal plasma to destroy PFAS rather than just remove them. Born from EPA‑funded research, the tech now treats groundwater, wastewater, leachate, and foam rinses, offering a scalable PFAS‑elimination solution

Published On 2/6/2026

PFAS enter the Great Lakes through rivers, groundwater, and even rain, accumulating in water, sediment, foam, and fish. With long retention times, contamination persists for decades, making prevention and source control essential to protect water and fisheries.

Published On 2/6/2026

Bottled water contains about three times more nanoplastics than tap water, a study near Lake Erie found. Researchers say tap water is the safer choice while utilities work to better remove micro‑ and nanoplastics from drinking water.

Published On 2/20/2026

Modern wastewater streams overwhelm old headworks, making advanced inlet screening essential. New adaptive, low‑maintenance screens and source‑point auger systems cut clogs, protect downstream assets, reduce labor, and boost resilience during peak wet‑weather flows.

Published On 2/20/2026

PFAS‑driven land‑application bans in New England are straining biosolids management as landfill and incineration options shrink. NEBRA warns of looming capacity shortfalls, rising costs, and urges regional planning, better policy, and exploration of new technologies.

Published On 2/9/2026

Daphnia‑based tertiary treatment cuts climate impacts dramatically. Using water fleas as natural biofilters produces 99.8% less CO₂ than conventional systems and removes nutrients, solids, and micropollutants with almost no chemicals or energy. Residuals can be turned into biochar, offering a scalable, low‑cost, nature‑based option for utilities facing tighter regulations.

Published On 2/9/2026

LSU researchers have created a $4, 3‑D printed wastewater sampler that makes disease monitoring affordable for small towns and rural communities. Filled with activated charcoal and lowered into sewer flow, it replaces $10k–$25k autosamplers and requires no power. In field tests, it successfully captured pathogens and antibiotic‑resistance markers, helping fill surveillance gaps in areas often missed by national monitoring systems.

Listening for Water Losses

Published On 2/22/2026

Castle Rock Water loses over 160 million gallons a year, so the utility piloted hydrant.AI acoustic sensors to detect leaks early. The AI “listens” for anomalies, helping shift from reactive repairs to proactive fixes and protecting scarce Colorado water supplies.

Published On 2/20/2026

Water utilities face rising NRW due to aging systems and climate stress. IoT enables real‑time leak detection, accurate metering, pressure control, and predictive maintenance, but high costs, technical limits, and workforce challenges slow adoption.

Published On 2/20/2026

U.S. utilities lose trillions of gallons and billions in revenue to NRW. Aging systems, funding gaps, and staffing shortages worsen leaks. Digital tools, maintenance, audits, and partnerships help utilities cut losses, improve efficiency, and protect customers.

Published On 2/13/2026

California isn’t “running out of water,” the report argues — it’s failing to deliver the water it already has. The study finds the state collects enough supply, but rural homes lack system connections and nearly 1M people get unsafe water.

Published On 2/13/2026

Utilities lose water through aging pipes, pressure issues, flushing, and metering errors. The article explains how flow measurement, leak detection, pressure management, audits, and modern meters help identify losses, improve billing, and guide smarter system repairs.

Published On 2/6/2026

AI is reshaping water‑loss management by turning complex utility data into clear, actionable insights. Predictive models identify pipes most likely to fail, optimize pressure, and pinpoint leaks, while automation supports—not replaces—staff to improve efficiency and resilience.

Published On 2/6/2026

Pressure and flow shape water system performance. Elevation, pipe conditions, demand shifts, pumps, and leaks all influence stability. Modern monitoring tools help utilities control pressure, detect issues early, reduce losses, and protect infrastructure.

Published On 2/3/2026

Modern pump technology is enabling decentralized wastewater systems, improving emergency response, boosting energy efficiency, and allowing cost‑effective retrofits. Submersible and no‑clog pumps help cities upgrade aging infrastructure with less disruption.

Published On 1/23/2026

Liquid-only sewers (LOS) separate solids at the source and transport only liquid waste, offering a low-cost, flexible, and eco-friendly solution ideal for rural and growing areas lacking traditional sewer infrastructure.

Published On 1/23/2026

Satellite‑based L‑band leak detection scans entire systems to spot hidden potable‑water leaks, boosting crew efficiency up to 4× and saving millions by cutting losses, reducing repairs, and guiding targeted, data‑driven maintenance.

Published On 1/23/2026

Adaptive AI‑based damping at Greifswald’s pumping station cuts vibration, noise, and mechanical stress by over 90%, enabling efficient variable‑speed operation and up to 35% energy savings while improving reliability and reducing community impacts.

Published On 2/20/2026

Produced water volumes are soaring, driving a fast‑growing treatment market. Water scarcity, strict regulations, rising disposal costs, and ESG pressure are pushing industries toward reuse. New AI‑driven and advanced treatment technologies are accelerating large‑scale adoption.

Published On 2/13/2026

Terminal Island turns all its wastewater into advanced purified water to protect L.A.’s groundwater from depletion and saltwater intrusion. Using MF, RO and a UV‑chlorine AOP, the plant supports seawater barriers, industry reuse and L.A.’s long‑term water‑supply resilience.

Published On 2/9/2026

Kansas lawmakers are weighing a bill to regulate potable reuse, but water officials warn the 2028 deadline and $600k budget are unrealistic. They support reuse to protect dwindling supplies like the Ogallala Aquifer but say Kansas needs more staff, research, and time to craft safe, effective guidelines.

Published On 2/6/2026

Plant City is advancing a 2032 direct potable reuse project that will turn reclaimed water into drinking water using membranes and UV. With wetlands recharge, purple‑pipe reuse, and a successful pilot proving high‑quality treatment, the city is building a resilient, diversified water supply.

Published On 2/6/2026

Data centers’ soaring water demand threatens strained freshwater supplies. The author urges siting new facilities beside wastewater plants to use treated effluent for cooling, reducing freshwater use and easing infrastructure burdens while supporting sustainable growth.

Published On 2/6/2026

Megadroughts are expected to persist, pushing Western utilities to expand water supplies through advanced purification, indirect reuse, and treatment of lower‑quality sources. Desalination is gaining renewed interest despite high costs, with long‑term planning and stakeholder engagement essential for success.

Published On 2/6/2026

Water utilities can cut failures by shifting from time‑based to condition‑based maintenance. With operator‑driven processes and AI that predicts issues in pumps, membranes, networks, and generators, utilities reduce costs, downtime, and risk while boosting reliability and workforce engagement.

Published On 2/13/2026

Water UCI secured $1.39M for a three‑year US–China project targeting agricultural and urban runoff. The team will study nutrient‑driven pollution in major watersheds, scale up best practices, and develop AI‑supported decision tools to help prevent ecosystem tipping points.

Published On 2/3/2026

Hurricanes’ deadliest threat is storm surge, but high‑resolution forecasts are slow. AI can rapidly predict surge heights using wind and pressure data, improving accuracy and giving coastal communities faster, more detailed warnings to prepare.

Published On 2/3/2026

Houston is weighing three storm‑tunnel proposals to reduce chronic flooding, but none can handle Harvey‑scale events. Musk’s plan is cheaper but low‑capacity; the county’s system offers broader protection but at far higher cost. A hybrid option may balance both.

Published On 1/30/2026

Floods are growing larger and far more frequent, but current practices underestimate this risk. Human‑driven landscape and climate changes amplify flood frequency. Stronger prediction methods and nature‑based land management are needed to reduce future impacts.

Published On 1/30/2026

Artificial grass can be more eco‑friendly than traditional lawns in arid regions. High‑quality turf allows natural drainage, reduces erosion, avoids non‑native species impacts, and supports local ecosystems while eliminating watering, mowing, and fertilizers.

A Blueprint For Smart Water Management

Published On 1/30/2026

CABB uses AI, real‑time data, and predictive models to manage Bilbao’s volatile weather. Integrated systems across 98 municipalities reduce overflows, improve efficiency, and boost resilience. Operator training and renewable‑energy efforts strengthen long‑term sustainability.

Published On 2/13/2026

AMWA urged Congress to boost support for water‑system cybersecurity, warning that attacks threaten public health and confidence. The group called for stronger WaterISAC promotion, full funding for federal cyber programs, and new oversight models.

Published On 2/2/2026

Hazardous energy exposes millions of workers, causing preventable deaths and injuries when lockout/tagout isn’t followed. Common failures include poor procedures and training. OSHA’s standard prevents thousands of injuries, making proper training essential.

Published On 2/2/2026

OSHA cites fall protection as its top violation for the 14th year, with thousands of preventable hazards in the water and sewer industry. Proper training, equipment, and clear procedures are essential to reduce injuries, strengthen safety, and prevent costly incidents.

7 Common Causes of Workplace Incidents

Published On 2/2/2026

Unsafe acts cause most incidents in water and wastewater work, often driven by shortcuts, overconfidence, poor planning, distractions, and ignoring procedures. Strong training, communication, and adherence to safety rules are essential to prevent injuries.

Published On 2/2/2026

EPA released new tools to help water systems prevent and respond to cyber threats, including updated emergency plans, incident‑response templates, and procurement checklists. With rising attacks, the agency aims to boost resilience and protect safe water nationwide.

Published On 2/6/2026

Smart boilers and leak detection help industrial plants prevent frozen pipes, leaks, and costly downtime by using real‑time monitoring, automated temperature control, and predictive alerts to keep water systems stable during winter.

Published On 2/13/2026

The Sensus ally meter gives utilities real‑time control at the customer endpoint with a three‑state remote valve, built‑in pressure and temperature sensing, and advanced electromag accuracy. It helps reduce NRW, prevent damage, speed disaster response, and improve operational efficiency.

Published On 2/6/2026

NEPA rules were narrowed to speed federal permitting for water projects, but experts warn reduced impact reviews, fewer alternatives, and limited public input could increase litigation and lead to less resilient, poorly planned infrastructure.

Published On 2/6/2026

Global brine waste is rising, straining ecosystems. New technologies like Arizona’s STREAM system can recover chemicals and reclaim up to 90% of water, offering safer, decentralized ways to turn contaminated brine into usable supplies.

Published On 2/6/2026

AMWA urged the Senate to boost support for water utilities facing rising cyber threats, calling for stronger WaterISAC engagement, full funding for federal assistance programs, and new oversight models to improve baseline cyber hygiene across the sector.

Looking for Life Member Photos

Published On 10/20/2017

Looking for Life Member Photos

Published On 2/20/2026

Boulder’s annual Children’s Water Festival brings 800–1,000 fourth and fifth graders together for hands‑on water education. With 20+ interactive sessions, STEM assemblies, and community volunteers, the event teaches kids where their water comes from and how they can help protect it.

Published On 2/7/2026

Mars once had abundant water, but Hubble and MAVEN data show it escaped to space as hydrogen and deuterium leaked from a turbulent, rapidly changing atmosphere. By tracking these escape rates, scientists reconstructed Mars’ wet past and gained insights that also help predict how Earth‑like planets evolve.

Murder in the Aeration

Published On 7/30/2025

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/murder-in-the-aeration-john-seldon/1144866808

FW&PCOA Program Catalog

Program Catalog

Published On 5/21/2020

This is a news item publicizing online training offered by the association.

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