EPA Adds Nine PFAS

EPA Adds Nine PFAS

The EPA is kicking off 2025 by adding nine more PFAS to their Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) list, bringing the total to 205 chemicals that facilities need to report on. Not only that, but the data is also going public. Thanks to the TRI program, communities will be able to see exactly which PFAS are being released in their areas through EPA's online database. The reporting deadline is July 2026, and with EPA's recent "chemicals of special concern" classification, facilities can't skip reporting even tiny amounts anymore. This transparency push, according to EPA's Assistant Administrator Michal Freedhoff, gives people "the right to know when facilities in their backyards are releasing toxic chemicals into the environment."

The Hidden Dangers of Tap Water

WES Water in Scottsdale just published their take on 2025's water quality concerns. Their article breaks down how municipal treatment processes, while effective, can miss emerging contaminants like microplastics, PFAS, and pharmaceutical residues. They note that water quality reports (like annual CCRs) are becoming a bigger deal as consumers get more concerned about what's in their tap water. One interesting topic is that they’re suggesting a multi-barrier approach, recommending combinations of activated carbon, RO, and UV systems to address different contaminant types.

Ohio Startup on PFAS Removal

WYSO out of western-Ohio recently wrote a piece on CoreWater Technologies and their new PFAS removal technology. The Flood family (perfect name, by the way) developed a patented process called ARID that coats regular activated carbon from traditional water treatment with special chemicals to better trap PFAS. Instead of manufacturing products themselves, CoreWater's planning to license their tech to existing carbon manufacturers – a seemingly smart play as utilities race to meet EPA's 2029 PFAS compliance deadline. The numbers in this space speak for themselves: the Akron water system, for example, is looking at up to $40M in installation costs for the treatment of PFAS, contributing to what industry experts project as a $4B annual market.

Plumbing Trends to Watch in 2025

Plumber's Choice Water just dropped their 2025 plumbing trends to watch. In it, their team writes that treatment systems are shifting from optional to "must-have" upgrades, especially as homeowners get more serious about water quality and conservation. The article highlights how the smart home wave is hitting water systems – they're seeing WiFi leak detectors and automated shut-off valves becoming standard installs. They shared that maintenance membership programs are gaining steam, with plumbers packaging regular inspections and priority service into subscription plans. And they also noted that specialized training and certification in advanced water treatment systems is becoming crucial. On the equipment front, they say tankless water heaters are still driving sales, with manufacturers promising better performance in 2025.

What else is happening:

• For 17 years, a local researcher has focused on desalination technology to address Arizona's water supply shortage

• WaterOnline writes about how water is the unsung hero of the AI boom, due to its usage in AI and data centers

• WQA Podcast releases their “Annual Contaminant Predictions” episode, reviewing trends, issues, and what consumers will be paying close attention to in 2025

• Arizona-based Pristine Water Solutions releases their guide for home water testing services