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A challenging balance must be struck for utilities between providing water for public health and keeping water providers financially afloat with fairness to all ratepayers.Several operating metrics are available to help utilities better address water affordability by analyzing customer financial data in real time.Reporting affordability metrics supports utilities, and the water industry broadly, in identifying struggling communities and responding to key trends affecting them.
While drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs) are not considered a source of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), PFAS concentrate in treatment residuals relative to their source water concentrations. Regulatory actions considered for PFAS-impacted residuals could affect the cost and viability of conventional residual management practices. This study estimated the annual quantity of residuals generated in the United States and presents a framework for understanding how PFAS may concentrate in these residual streams. Findings of this work indicate that PFAS may substantially impact DWTP residuals management, especially coagulation and softening solids, at concentration factors greater than 100 and spent adsorbents at PFAS concentration factors greater than 10,000. If potential regulatory actions were to apply to coagulation and softening residuals, those regulations must consider impacts on disposal of more than 420,000,000 wet tons of at-risk DWTP residuals which are generated annually.
Journal AWWAVolume 115, Issue 4 p. 72-75 Water Worldwide Learning From Water Reuse in Israel Hunter Adams, Corresponding Author Hunter Adams [email protected] Search for more papers by this authorErin Messner, Erin MessnerSearch for more papers by this authorPatricia Sinicropi, Patricia SinicropiSearch for more papers by this authorEva Steinle-Darling, Eva Steinle-DarlingSearch for more papers by this authorErika Crespo, Erika CrespoSearch for more papers by this author Hunter Adams, Corresponding Author Hunter Adams [email protected] Search for more papers by this authorErin Messner, Erin MessnerSearch for more papers by this authorPatricia Sinicropi, Patricia SinicropiSearch for more papers by this authorEva Steinle-Darling, Eva Steinle-DarlingSearch for more papers by this authorErika Crespo, Erika CrespoSearch for more papers by this author First published: 05 May 2023 https://doi.org/10.1002/awwa.2092Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Volume115, Issue4May 2023Pages 72-75 RelatedInformation
Key TakeawaysThe environmental laboratory workforce is aging out and needs creative solutions to recruit and retain skilled staff to perform physical, microbial, chemical, and radiological tests.There are immediate needs for chemists to work in radiochemistry and to conduct analyses for per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances and other contaminants of emerging concern.Promoting the water and wastewater industry and developing the industry workforce require education through public outreach, internships, fellowships, and citizen science.
