The U.S. EPA has finalized maximum contaminant levels for six PFAS compounds, marking a significant regulatory shift with far-reaching implications for the water sector. These new rules, set forth in April 2024, are poised to drive increased demand for advanced monitoring technologies and treatment solutions, particularly among utilities serving larger populations and small systems that must now comply with the regulations. The introduction of a “Hazard Index” for PFAS mixtures adds complexity, requiring utilities to adopt more sophisticated approaches to water quality management. This creates opportunities for technology providers, consultants, and engineering firms to support utilities in overcoming compliance challenges while highlighting the need for innovative PFAS detection and removal solutions.
This review provides a comprehensive analysis of 2024 key legislative and policy developments shaping the water and wastewater sector across the U.S. and Canada. Bluefield’s team of water experts continuously monitors regulatory shifts at federal, state, and local levels to assess their implications and strategic impacts on water, wastewater, and stormwater.
In this U.S. & Canada Water Policy Review:
- U.S. Federal Water Policy Overview & Bluefield Takeaways
- U.S. State Water Policy Overview & Bluefield Takeaways
- Canada Provincial Water Policy Overview & Bluefield Takeaways
- Looking Forward
Policies & Legislation Mentioned
- Advanced Water Purification Regulations (Arizona, 2024)
- Canada Water Agency (Canada, 2024)
- Direct Potable Reuse Regulations (California, effective October 2024)
- Freshwater Action Plan (Canada)
- Hazard Index for PFAS Mixtures (EPA, 2024)
- Housing-Enabling Water Infrastructure (HEWI) Loan Program (Ontario, 2024)
- Indian River Lagoon Protection Program (Florida, 2024)
- Maximum Allowable Concentration (MAC) for PFAS (Canada, 2024)
- New York Drinking Water Standards Update (New York, 2024)
- Proposition 4 (California, 2024)
- Proposition JJ (Colorado, 2024)
- Sackett Decision-related Permitting Law (Colorado, 2024)
- State Flood Plan (Texas, 2024)
- Water Systems PFAS Liability Protection Act (Proposed, 2024)
