PFAS Series, Part 4: Navigating PFAS Drinking Water Standards and Regulatory Changes

PFAS drinking water regulations present significant planning, financial, and operational considerations for local governments and water utilities. As requirements and timelines continue to develop, communities must understand not only what compliance may involve, but also what funding,policy, and treatment considerations should inform their preparations. In this podcast, GFOA is joined by Charlotte Mitchell Duyshart, Associate Legislative Director with the National Association of Counties, and Steve Via, Director of Federal Relations with the American Water Works Association. The discussion examines the current status of PFAS drinkingwater regulations, key deadlines, the implementation process for utilities and local governments, and regulatory developments that communities should continue monitoring. The conversation also addresses the congressional and federal outlook for PFAS-related legislation, EPA reauthorization efforts, State Revolving Funds, federal water infrastructure programs, and advocacy surrounding potential changes to compliance requirements and timelines. In addition, the guests discuss considerations for managing risk, evaluating treatment options, balancing costs with long-term operational impacts, and prioritizing practical next steps. This Podcast offers valuable insights for local government officials, utility leaders, and finance professionals seeking to better understand the changing PFAS regulatory environment and prepare their communities for future compliance and infrastructure needs. Timestamps: · Intro: 00:00 · PFAS Regulations as they stand today: 03:00 · Implementation Process for Utilities: 06:30 · What else should systems be looking out for the next year?: 09:00 · Federal Funding Options for Water Infrastructure and PFAS: 11:54 · Current Outlook on PFAS Regulations: 14:00 · How do reauthorization efforts factor into broader PFAS regulations?: 17:00 · Any updates on funding program status?: 17:55 · Updates to Compliance Timelines: 19:20 · What should municipalities watch for?: 20:40 · One action utilities should take today toprepare for PFAS Regulations: 22:20 · Outro: 24:25 Resources Mentioned During the Episode: · National Association of Counties | 2026 Policy Brief: Increase funding for the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) Programs · American Water Works Association | PFAS Developments · National Association of Counties | PFAS Passive Receiver Protections for Counties Listen to the PFAS Series Here: · EFCN Podcast | PFAS Series Additional Resources: · EPA | Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) · EPA | Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) · EPA | Water Infrastructure Finance Innovation Act (WIFIA) · EFCN Animation | The PFAS Problem · EFCN Blog | PFAS Monitoring: What Small Systems Need to Know⁠ · EFCN Blog | A Guide for Water Operators Preparing for PFAs Sampling and Regulations⁠