Aug 4, 2026
This month, PFAS remained at the center of the drinking water conversation. Stakeholders submitted comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on its proposed revisions to the federal PFAS drinking water regulations, while the Water & Health Advisory Council urged EPA to adopt a science-based, risk-informed approach that protects public health while providing utilities with a practical path to compliance. At the same time, the Water & Health Advisory Council responded to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) request for public comments as the organization updates its guidance on PFAS in drinking water, reflecting the growing global focus on the contaminants.
While the PFAS debate continues, drinking water systems across the country continue to face broader public health challenges. In recent weeks, communities responded to Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks alongside aging infrastructure and water main failures, reinforcing the need for resilient water systems, effective building water management, and risk-based decision-making. These same themes are explored throughout Safe Drinking Water Act: The Next Fifty Years, which examines the policies, investments, and collaborative approaches needed to strengthen drinking water systems for the future.
Jul 2, 2026
This month, the Water & Health Advisory Council joined water leaders from across the country at AWWA ACE 2026 to celebrate the release of Safe Drinking Water Act: The Next Fifty Years. In partnership with Rogue Water Lab and Corona Environmental Consulting, the Council hosted a reception, Council members participated in technical sessions, and connected with attendees during a book signing, continuing important conversations on the future of drinking water policy and the challenges shaping the next 50 years of the Safe Drinking Water Act.
Jun 1, 2026
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced proposed changes to the federal PFAS drinking water rule on May 18, 2026, reopening national discussions around how drinking water policy can best protect public health while supporting reliable and resilient water systems. Under the proposal, EPA would maintain enforceable drinking water standards for PFOA and PFOS, while extending compliance deadlines for public water systems from 2029 to 2031. At the same time, the agency proposed rescinding drinking water standards covering PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA (GenX), and the hazard index mixture that includes PFBS.
Water & Health Advisory Council members contributed perspectives to ongoing discussions surrounding EPA’s revised PFAS strategy, highlighting the importance of aligning regulatory goals with the practical realities facing water utilities. They emphasized that while PFAS remains an important drinking water issue, successful implementation depends on ensuring utilities have sufficient time, resources, and technical capacity to comply with new requirements. Consistent with the Council’s broader focus on long-term drinking water resilience, Sorensen and Roberson noted the need to consider infrastructure, workforce, and operational challenges alongside emerging contaminant regulations as policymakers evaluate the future of drinking water protection.
May 1, 2026
This month, the Water & Health Advisory Council, in partnership with Rogue Water Lab and the Reservoir Center for Water Solutions, hosted the Pitch Lab and Networking Reception, bringing together water sector professionals and leaders to discuss policy and effective communication strategies. Council members Alan Roberson, Manny Teodoro, and Chad Seidel shared insights from their open-access book, Safe Drinking Water Act: The Next Fifty Years, which explores the future of drinking water systems and examines key issues including consolidation, equity in water policy, workforce, and governance. Attendees also had the opportunity to engage with speakers, connect with peers, and access the full publication.
To read Safe Drinking Water Act: The Next Fifty Years, download here.
Apr 1, 2026
Clean drinking water remains fundamental to the health and safety of communities globally. This past month, we celebrated World Water Day, a reminder of the critical role that resilient water structure, informed policy, and emerging technology plays in reliable water access. The new open-access book Safe Drinking Water Act: The Next Fifty Years, edited by Manny Teodoro, with contributions by council members Alan Roberson, Chad Seidel, and council chair Kathryn Sorensen, discusses the roles policy, governance, workforce, and public health play in the development of reliable water infrastructure. These conversations and initiatives reflect a growing emphasis on preventative care, cross-sector collaboration, and practical implementation, highlighting a shared commitment to modernizing water infrastructure and protecting this essential resource for future generations.
