This past month, Water & Health Advisory Council member Alan Roberson participated in a meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors Mayors Water Council, helping brief city leaders on the latest updates related to PFAS in drinking water and what communities should be preparing for next.
The meeting opened with remarks from Jessica Kramer, Assistant Administrator for Water at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, who provided an overview of recent EPA actions focused on funding, lead, and PFAS, the three main issues increasingly shaping local drinking water decisions.
On behalf of the Water & Health Advisory Council, Alan shared a PFAS update focused on practical steps cities and towns should be taking today. These included testing to understand local PFAS conditions, establishing a communications plan before sampling begins, continuing to evaluate blending, source reduction, or treatment options, and considering participation in class action litigation as communities assess future compliance costs.
The discussion reinforced that PFAS, alongside funding and lead, will remain a growing challenge for local governments in the near future. As regulatory expectations evolve and public awareness increases, early preparation will be critical for protecting public health and maintaining trust.
The Water & Health Advisory Council is committed to continuing its work with mayors, utilities, and policymakers to share independent expertise and support informed decision-making on emerging drinking water challenges.