Breaking down PFAS water treatment cost to remove forever chemicals

In 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced legally enforceable drinking water standards for per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The final rule sets limits for five PFAS chemicals and establishes a hazard index level for mixtures of two or more PFAS chemicals.

What does this rule mean for public water systems?

• Initial monitoring. All public water systems are required to monitor PFAS and complete initial testing by 2027.
• Remediation. If PFAS levels exceed the new limits, water systems must act and implement solutions to reduce them by 2029.
• Public notification. Starting in 2029, if a system exceeds the new limits, it must notify the community of the violation.

What will it cost to meet the new PFAS standards?

This blog post explains estimated PFAS water treatment costs and how working with a water engineering expert can help you. 

EPA estimates for PFAS water treatment costs

The EPA conducts Health Risk Reduction and Cost Analysis to evaluate the measurable and immeasurable benefits of PFAS removal and the associated costs. The agency estimates the overall annual costs for public water systems and primary agencies to implement the new PFAS rule at $1.548 billion.

In addition to these quantifiable costs, the EPA expects the final rule will result in nonquantifiable costs, such as the increased costs associated with water treatment required at public water systems with Hazard Index and specific PFAS (HFPO-DA/ PFNA) MCL exceedances.

Around 66,000 regulated water systems will have to complete monitoring and public notifications. Based on initial monitoring, 4,100 to 6,700 water systems may have to take action to reduce PFAS levels.

Considering the significant PFAS water treatment costs and its impact on the maintenance and operation of water systems, $9 billion has been allocated under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, specifically for communities with PFAS-contaminated drinking water. This includes $4 billion through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) and $5 billion through the EPA's Emerging Contaminants in Small or Disadvantaged Communities Grant Program. An additional $12 billion to the DWSRF is dedicated to making water safer in states and communities.

Communities can find it challenging to determine the most effective PFAS water treatment technology. Partnering with an expert can help municipalities develop treatment solutions for PFAS remediation and secure funding. 

How Fehr Graham can help with PFAS remediation in drinking water and wastewater

At Fehr Graham, we understand the challenges community leaders face in complying with proposed regulatory agency standards and enforced standards for PFAS chemicals in drinking water.

From determining the most effective remediation methods to securing funding, we are committed to helping communities access safe drinking water. Our team of water experts has the experience and expertise to remove PFAS from drinking water in compliance with federal regulatory standards. We also help municipalities secure funding resources for PFAS investigation and remediation.