EPA’s New PFAS Rules Under Siege by Water Utility Trade Groups, Continuing a Trend of Regulatory Resistance
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is facing a legal challenge to its new drinking water limits for PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), spearheaded by U.S. water utilities. These utilities, represented by their trade groups, argue that the EPA’s rules are based on flawed data, though they claim not to oppose PFAS regulation outright. This resistance is part of a broader pattern, as utilities and their trade associations have a long history of opposing stricter water quality regulations, including limits on toxic substances like lead and carcinogenic disinfectants. Despite their mission to provide safe water, these groups have frequently lobbied against rules designed to enhance water safety, often in collaboration with the chemical industry.
The trade groups leading this opposition, particularly the American Water Works Association (AWWA), have faced criticism for prioritizing financial concerns over public health. For decades, these groups have delayed or weakened regulations, including those related to the removal of lead pipes. Critics argue that the industry’s actions have led to prolonged public health risks and higher costs for consumers. While the Biden administration has proposed more stringent regulations, such as replacing all lead pipes within ten years, the AWWA continues to push back, citing high costs and feasibility issues, despite evidence of the long-term benefits of such measures.
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Puraffinity partners with the U.S. Army ERDC to evaluate Puratech G400, an advanced adsorbent for PFAS removal, through lab and field trials comparing its performance and cost-effectiveness to existing PFAS treatment technologies
The PFAS Treatment Europe 2025 conference is a major industry event focused on advanced solutions for treating PFAS contamination. It brings together utilities, water companies, regulators, and industry experts to share the latest developments, strategies, and innovations for managing PFAS in Europe. Key topics include regulatory updates, remediation technologies, socio-economic impacts, and case studies from across the continent. Our CEO, Vincent Caillaud , will be in attendance.
WEFTEC 2025 is the world’s largest annual water quality conference and exhibition, held September 27–October 1, 2025, at McCormick Place in Chicago. It gathers over 20,000 water professionals from 100+ countries to explore cutting-edge water technologies, attend technical sessions and workshops, and network with sector leaders. The event features a massive exhibition of advanced solutions, educational opportunities, and speciality pavilions focused on topics like sustainability and digital innovation. Our CEO Vincent Caillaud , and CCO, Neal Megonnell , will be in attendance.
In the Building World-Class Teams webinar series, Henrik Hagemann and Jessica Middlesmiss will be discussing how to Create Cultures that Scale
Neal Megonnell brings over three decades of experience in various leadership, technology and sales roles in the carbon industry to his new position at Puraffinity. His extensive background and expertise in the water treatment sector and the specific technologies for removing contaminants make him an invaluable addition to the company's executive team. In his role as CCO, Neal will be responsible for driving Puraffinity's commercial strategy, expanding market presence, and accelerating growth in the rapidly evolving field of PFAS removal technologies. "We are thrilled to welcome Neal to our team," said Vincent Caillaud, CEO of Puraffinity. "His impressive track record in the industry, coupled with his deep understanding of PFAS-related challenges, aligns perfectly with our mission. His background in R&D, with multiple published papers and two patents related to activated carbon, will be instrumental in driving our commercial success and furthering our goal of providing innovative PFAS removal solutions." Neal holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of Pittsburgh Master of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University and a Master’s in Colloids, Polymers and Surfaces. This strong academic foundation, combined with his extensive industry experience, positions him well to lead Puraffinity's commercial efforts in addressing one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. Neal's expertise is extensively demonstrated through his strategic involvement in various professional committees, including Chair of the American Water Works Association Standards on Activated Carbon Committee, the ASTM D28 Activated Carbon Committee, and serving as Chairman of the Standards for Activated Carbon. "I am thrilled to join Puraffinity at this exciting time," said Neal Megonnell. "The company's commitment to developing sustainable adsorbent materials for PFAS removal aligns with my passion for innovative water treatment solutions. I look forward to working with the talented team at Puraffinity to expand our market reach and deliver cutting-edge technologies to communities and industries worldwide."