Emerging Contaminants for Small Utilities

For utility systems, emerging contaminants are a growing challenge that was barely on the radar a decade ago. These substances are being detected more often in drinking water as testing improves and more is learned about potential impacts. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) one major group is PFAS (Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances), more than 12,000 human-made chemicals commonly found in nonstick coatings, water-resistant fabrics, food packaging, and firefighting foams, that persist in the environment and are often referred to as “forever chemicals.”

Data from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences show other emerging contaminants and concerns include pharmaceuticals, personal care products, bisphenol A (BPA), pesticides, cyanotoxins from harmful algal blooms, microplastics, manganese, and some newly identified disinfection byproducts. Conventional treatment often provides limited removal, while advanced options can be costly. Not all systems will encounter these contaminants; it really depends on local conditions and activities.

Media coverage has increased public awareness. Water systems may receive questions about substances that are monitored but not yet regulated. Staff should have simple, clear talking points prepared. Providing a straightforward explanation builds trust. Emphasize whether the system meets all current drinking water standards. Explain the difference between health advisories and enforceable regulatory limits. Clarify that monitoring does not necessarily indicate health risks. Share what the system is doing now and what steps may come next. Refer customers to trusted sources such as the state agency that oversees public water systems or the EPA website.

Systems should remain familiar with Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR) requirements and proactively document potential contamination sources (e.g., landfills, industrial or agricultural activities, airports, stormwater runoff, wastewater discharges, firefighting training areas, and source water changes – taste, color, odor). Systems may also consider whether they have a Source Water Assessment on file through their state’s Source Water Assessment Program (SWAP). These assessments identify potential sources of contamination and may be worth reviewing. More information is available at: www.epa.gov/sourcewaterprotection. Know who to contact at the state primacy agency if results exceed advisory levels. Plan for possible sampling costs, lab availability, and reporting. Evaluate if existing treatments provide incidental contaminant removal.

Financial and technical assistance is available for small systems. Support may include Drinking Water State Revolving Fund loans, emerging contaminant grants, source water protection, circuit rider programs, and no-cost technical assistance programs. While emerging contaminants add complexity, small systems can manage them through awareness, communication, and available support.