Bipartisan Legislation Aims to Bolster Wastewater Treatment and Combat PFAS Contamination

Washington, D.C. – A new bipartisan effort in Congress seeks to address the growing challenge of contaminants like per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the nation’s water supply. Representatives Haley Stevens (D-MI) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) have introduced the Advanced Wastewater Treatment Assistance Act, designed to aid communities upgrade wastewater systems and ensure affordable access to clean water.

Addressing a Critical Require for Infrastructure Improvements

The legislation recognizes the increasing strain on wastewater treatment plants as they grapple with emerging contaminants and aging infrastructure. According to data, the estimated costs for needed improvements in Michigan alone reached $181 million in 2022 [1]. Nationwide, communities are facing similar challenges in maintaining water safety without imposing unsustainable costs on residents.

Key Provisions of the Advanced Wastewater Treatment Assistance Act

The Advanced Wastewater Treatment Assistance Act proposes a five-year federal grant program, authorizing $1 billion to support advanced wastewater treatment projects across the country [2]. Key components of the bill include:

• Funding Allocation: The program will cover up to 50% of project costs.
• Prioritization of Disadvantaged Communities: At least 49% of the funding will be directed to communities lacking the financial resources for infrastructure upgrades, with cost-share requirements waived for these recipients.
• Administrative Efficiency: Administrative costs for the EPA and participating states will be capped at 1%.
• Research and Evaluation: A national study will be launched to evaluate the effectiveness of advanced treatment technologies in removing contaminants like PFAS.

Advanced Treatment Technologies

The Act specifically targets the deployment of advanced treatment technologies such as granular activated carbon and reverse osmosis, which are effective in removing difficult pollutants, including PFAS. These technologies can also help prevent harmful algal blooms that threaten water quality in regions like the Great Lakes [1].

Bipartisan Support and Endorsements

The legislation has garnered bipartisan support, with Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Hillary Scholten (D-MI), Mike Lawler (R-NY), and Jen Kiggans (R-VA) also supporting the effort [1]. It is also endorsed by organizations like the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA), which emphasizes the need for federal assistance to address the rising costs of advanced treatment technologies [2].

“Clean water utilities are on the front lines of protecting public health and the environment,” said Adam Krantz, CEO of NACWA. “The bipartisan Advanced Wastewater Treatment Assistance Act would provide targeted federal support to help utilities deploy proven advanced treatment solutions, prioritize disadvantaged communities, and ensure Americans continue to have access to affordable, reliable clean water.”

Ongoing Efforts to Address PFAS Contamination

This legislation builds upon existing efforts to combat PFAS contamination, including Representative Haley Stevens’ previous work to strengthen drinking water reporting, secure cleanup funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and introduce the PFAS-Free Procurement Act, which aims to prohibit federal agencies from purchasing items containing certain PFAS [3]. The Bipartisan Congressional PFAS Task Force, formed in 2019, continues to educate members of Congress and draft legislation to address PFAS at the federal level [4].