Revisions or restrictions to PFAS
The Trump administration sought to address the issue of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water with a plan to study and manage these chemicals.
Prior to leaving the White House in 2021, the Trump administration’s EPA determined that some PFAS chemicals need to be regulated in drinking water, but never acted to force such regulation.
In April of 2024, the Biden administration and the EPA introduced national limits to these chemicals in drinking water.
Andrew Wheeler, who served as the EPA administrator under Trump for two years, previously stated in a Newsweek article that some details of Biden’s PFAS rules may need to be reexamined, but as a whole his EPA was generally in favor of regulation.
Lead pipes
The EPA decided to implement the Trump administration’s lead and copper rule, while proposing additional requirements.
Under the updated rule, utilities that exceed 10 parts per billion (ppb) of lead had to work with regulators on plans to replace lead service lines. Utilities that exceeded 15 ppb would be required to replace at least 3% of known or suspected lead lines per year.
This number represented a slower replacement rate than a previous 7% requirement, essentially doubling the time it would take to replace lead lines.
Deregulation of coal ash ponds
The previous Trump administration relaxed requirements on coal ash waste storage, a byproduct of coal-burning power plants that can contaminate groundwater with heavy metals.
Under revised U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rules, certain protections were reduced, allowing coal plants more time to comply with regulations on how coal ash is stored and treated.
This move essentially revoked a rule that prevented coal companies from dumping mining debris into local streams.
Rollback of mercury effluent standards
In 2020, the Trump administration revised standards on mercury emissions from coal plants to reduce compliance costs.
Mercury emissions can enter waterways, affecting fish and wildlife.
Supporters viewed these adjustments as cost-saving, while critics were concerned about the environmental impacts of excess mercury making its way into local water bodies.
A 2023 proposal from the Biden administration sought to strengthen mercury standards for power plants.
Lasting implications for the water industry
The Trump administration’s approach to water policy left a mixed legacy for the industry.
The deregulatory measures benefited some sectors, reduced operational costs and provided more flexibility to places like the power industry.
However, concerns about water quality, environmental health and public safety persist among critics who fear that reduced federal protections could lead to long-term damage to water systems and ecosystems.
