EPA Releases Update on PFAS Progress

EPA Releases Update on PFAS Progress

The EPA recently released its second annual report on PFAS progress, and you know the drill: we read it (well, more like skimmed it) so you don’t have to. Turns out, the EPA has been actively working to tackle PFAS contamination. They've set aside a whopping $2 billion in grants to help smaller and less privileged communities get access to safe, clean water. They're also cracking down on PFAS being dumped into rivers and lakes, by tightening up permits under the Clean Water Act and making industries that release PFAS stick to stricter standards. There's a big push in research too, to find ways to spot and get rid of PFAS in water, and to understand how PFAS affects fish and us humans.

Aquanology Presents: How Does a Water Softener Work?

Late last week Aquanology posted this article which breaks down why and how water softeners are a game-changer for dealing with hard water. Hard water, full of stuff like calcium and magnesium, can mess with everything from your clothes to your plumbing. Water softeners fix this by swapping out these hard minerals with sodium, thanks to a neat process called ion exchange.

The result? Softer water that’s kinder on your appliances, clothes, and skin. The article also reminds folks to keep water softeners in top shape with regular salt refills and yearly check-ups.

Reliable Water Meets Climate Change

Lu Liu, a researcher from Iowa State University whose interests include “the water-energy-climate nexus”, explains that as big city water systems face challenges due to climate change and population growth, smaller, local water treatment options are gaining attention. These systems, which can be as small as a home filter or as large as a community facility, are not only more affordable but also environmentally friendly. They use advanced technologies like reverse osmosis and electrodialysis for purification. Cities like El Paso and Windhoek are already using these systems effectively, even for drinking water. The main hurdle now is making these systems financially viable and getting people on board with the idea.

Using Waves to Desalinate Water

In this week’s tech corner, we’re talking about Oneka, a Canadian company that has developed an innovative system that turns ocean water into drinking water by harnessing the power of waves. This is significant because over half of the world's population faces challenges in accessing clean water, a situation worsened by climate change. Traditional methods of making ocean water drinkable are energy-intensive and can harm the ocean by returning very salty water. Oneka's approach, however, is more environmentally friendly. They use buoys that capture wave energy to power a filtration process that removes salt from seawater. This method avoids the use of fossil fuels and the saltier water returned to the ocean is less harmful to marine life. Fort Bragg, California, is set to test this new technology. The key idea here is simple yet effective: using the ocean's natural waves to tackle a major water shortage issue.

What else is happening?

• EcoWater of Central California asks Does Reverse Osmosis Remove Fluoride?

• A breakdown of chlorine in drinking water by SpringWell

• WaterSurplus offers the option to rent a temporary PFAS treatment solution

• Agape Water Solutions asks Is Electrodialysis the Same as Reverse Osmosis? (Hint: it’s not)