Date
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Time
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Location Name
Room 3, Level 2
Name
PFAS and Potable Reuse: Regulatory Pathways and Technical Solutions
Track
Water Resource Recovery
Description
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have emerged as contaminants of concern in wastewater treatment and reclaimed water, challenging utilities as they advance indirect potable reuse (IPR) and direct potable reuse (DPR) programs. PFAS’ persistence, mobility, and resistance to conventional processes present unique risks for reclaimed water systems, where the highest level of treatment reliability and regulatory oversight is required. This presentation examines how advanced reuse treatment trains, commonly incorporating microfiltration, reverse osmosis, activated carbon, and advanced oxidation, can mitigate PFAS concentrations while delivering high-quality reclaimed water. IPR and DPR facilities often operate with multiple barriers, redundancy, and intensive monitoring protocols, offering technical advantages compared to conventional wastewater plants in addressing emerging contaminants. Case studies show that reverse osmosis and granular activated carbon, when combined with robust monitoring, can substantially reduce PFAS loads in reclaimed water destined for aquifer recharge or direct potable supply. Regulatory frameworks are evolving to align reclaimed water standards with PFAS risk management. Arizona’s reclaimed water permits, administered under the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) guidelines, set treatment and monitoring benchmarks for different reuse classes, emphasizing pathogen removal, organics control, and advanced treatment validation for potable reuse. Similarly, California, Texas, and other states have published or are drafting DPR regulations that incorporate performance targets for chemical constituents of emerging concern, including PFAS. These frameworks highlight the role of risk-based thresholds, continuous monitoring, and engineered redundancy in ensuring safety and public confidence. This session will also explore how reuse can provide a pathway for wastewater systems to mitigate PFAS issues by integrating advanced treatment barriers already required for potable reuse projects. By leveraging technologies designed for trace contaminant removal, utilities can address both regulatory drivers, such as EPA’s enforceable PFAS drinking water standards—and public expectations for safe, sustainable water supplies. In conclusion, IPR and DPR programs not only secure resilient water supplies in water-stressed regions but also offer technical solutions for managing PFAS in wastewater. This presentation provides insights into how evolving state regulations, such as Arizona’s reclaimed water rules and California’s DPR framework, intersect with federal PFAS initiatives. Attendees will gain an understanding of how reclaimed water can serve as both a resource recovery opportunity and a compliance pathway for utilities navigating the complex challenges of PFAS.