Category: Infrastructure Funding

California Takes the Lead in Banning Toxic Chemicals from Water Infrastructure – Are Other States Following?

Meta Description: California advances groundbreaking legislation to ban toxic “forever chemicals” from water systems and infrastructure. Learn how this affects water safety and what it means for your state.

California just made a move that has the chemical industry seriously worried. The state is pushing through some of the most aggressive anti-toxic legislation in the country, targeting the “forever chemicals” that have been contaminating our water infrastructure for decades.

While other states have been dragging their feet, California lawmakers are actually doing something about the PFAS chemicals that are showing up in drinking water systems across the nation. We’re talking about legislation that could fundamentally change how water infrastructure gets built and maintained – not just in California, but potentially nationwide.

What’s got everyone’s attention is that California isn’t just nibbling around the edges of this problem. They’re going after the source: banning these toxic chemicals from the products and systems that deliver water to our homes.

What California Is Actually Doing About Toxic Water Contamination

Here’s the real deal: California has become the testing ground for what aggressive chemical regulation actually looks like.

The state has already passed or is advancing several major pieces of legislation:

Assembly Bill 794 – The drinking water protection act:

• Sets enforceable state standards for PFAS in drinking water
• Could be stricter than federal EPA limits
• Protects Californians even if federal standards get rolled back
• Covers 25 million residents who could be affected by PFAS contamination

The broader chemical elimination strategy: California has systematically banned PFAS from:

• Firefighting foams (already implemented)
• Food packaging and containers
• Textiles and clothing (starting 2025)
• Household cleaning products
• Cosmetics and personal care products
• Some children’s products and furniture

Why this matters for water infrastructure: Every ban on PFAS in consumer products means fewer of these chemicals eventually ending up in water treatment plants, pipes, and drinking water systems.

The financial commitment:

• California allocated $15 million for immediate PFAS remediation
• Required quarterly testing within 5 miles of contamination sites
• Mandated that manufacturers find safer alternatives

How This Actually Affects Your Water

The contamination cycle that California is trying to break:

Here’s how these “forever chemicals” have been getting into our water systems for decades:

The source problem:

• PFAS chemicals are used in thousands of products
• They don’t break down naturally – hence “forever chemicals”
• They end up in wastewater treatment plants
• Treatment plants can’t remove them effectively
• They contaminate water supplies and infrastructure

California’s approach: Instead of just trying to filter these chemicals out after they’re already in the water (expensive and often ineffective), California is going after them at the source.

What this means practically:

• Fewer PFAS chemicals entering the waste stream
• Less contamination of water treatment infrastructure
• Cleaner water coming out of your tap
• Reduced long-term treatment costs

The Health Stakes That Made California Act

Why California lawmakers finally got serious about this:

The state discovered that PFAS contamination affects the drinking water sources of 16 million Californians. As testing expands, that number is expected to go much higher.

Health impacts driving the legislation:

• PFAS are linked to kidney and testicular cancer
• They cause liver damage and immune system problems
• They affect fetal development and pregnancy outcomes
• They’re found in the blood of 99% of Americans, including newborn babies
• Even tiny amounts can cause health problems

The financial health argument: California officials calculated that preventing PFAS contamination is cheaper than treating it after the fact. Water treatment systems to remove PFAS can cost hundreds of millions of dollars.

Real examples from California:

• Orange County Water District spent $300 million just for initial treatment facilities
• They estimate $1.2 billion in treatment costs over 30 years
• A 10% rate increase is being considered to cover these costs

Other States Are Watching – and Some Are Following

California’s ripple effect:

When California passes chemical regulations, it often forces change nationwide because of the state’s massive market size.

States taking similar action:

• New York has a PFAS ban in apparel awaiting the governor’s signature
• Washington state is considering similar PFAS restrictions
• At least 11 other states have set some form of PFAS drinking water limits
• Maine has the most comprehensive PFAS ban, prohibiting them in all products by 2030

The industry response: Major retailers are already adopting PFAS-free policies rather than maintain separate product lines for California. This means California’s standards often become de facto national standards.

What’s different about California’s approach: Most states have focused on single-product bans. California is taking a comprehensive approach, targeting PFAS across multiple product categories simultaneously.

The Pushback California Is Facing

Who’s fighting these regulations:

The chemical industry is spending millions lobbying against California’s PFAS legislation. They argue that:

• Alternatives aren’t always available
• Costs will be passed to consumers
• Some PFAS uses are “essential” for safety

The manufacturer response: Many companies are already reformulating products to comply with California’s timeline. 3M, one of the largest PFAS manufacturers, announced it’s phasing out all PFAS production by 2025.

The federal tension: There’s uncertainty about federal PFAS regulations under the new administration. California’s legislation ensures state-level protection regardless of what happens federally.

What This Means for Water Bills and Infrastructure

The financial reality:

California’s approach is expensive upfront but potentially cheaper long-term.

Cost breakdowns:

• Immediate remediation: $15 million state investment
• Long-term treatment savings: Potentially billions in avoided cleanup costs
• Consumer impact: Some rate increases likely but smaller than treatment-only approaches

Infrastructure implications:

• New construction will need to use PFAS-free materials
• Existing systems will gradually become cleaner as PFAS sources are eliminated
• Water treatment plants won’t need as many expensive PFAS removal systems

What You Can Do While Your State Catches Up

Don’t wait for legislation:

California’s example shows what’s possible, but change is slow. Here’s what you can do now:

Protect yourself:

• Install water filters certified to remove PFAS (reverse osmosis or high-quality carbon filters)
• Check if your water utility tests for PFAS and ask for recent results
• Support local and state candidates who prioritize water safety

Reduce PFAS in your home:

• Choose PFAS-free products when possible
• Avoid “stain-resistant” and “waterproof” products that often contain PFAS
• Use stainless steel or cast iron cookware instead of nonstick

Stay informed:

• Follow what’s happening with PFAS legislation in your state
• Join local environmental groups advocating for water safety
• Contact your representatives about supporting California-style PFAS legislation

💡 Take Action This Week:

• Research your state’s PFAS policies: See how they compare to California’s approach
• Test your water: Many areas have free or low-cost PFAS testing programs
• Contact your representatives: Ask them to support comprehensive PFAS legislation
• Switch products: Start choosing PFAS-free alternatives for everyday items

The Bigger Picture

California’s aggressive stance on PFAS represents a fundamentally different approach to chemical regulation. Instead of waiting for federal action or trying to clean up contamination after it happens, the state is preventing it at the source.

This isn’t just about California – it’s about proving that comprehensive chemical regulation is possible and effective. Other states are watching to see if California’s approach works without destroying the economy or creating unintended consequences.

So far, the early signs are positive. Companies are finding alternatives, costs aren’t skyrocketing, and water contamination is starting to decrease in areas where PFAS bans have been implemented.

The question now is whether other states will follow California’s lead or wait for the federal government to act. Given the current political uncertainty around federal environmental regulations, state-level action might be the most reliable path forward.

For people living outside California, the message is clear: you can’t wait for perfect federal solutions. Start protecting yourself now, and push your state to follow California’s example. Your water – and your health – are too important to leave to chance.

Check Water quality in California now:

California State

Bakersfield

Chula Vista

Fresno

Fremont

Fontana

Glendale

Irvine

Los Angeles

Modesto

Moreno Valley

Oakland

Oxnard

Sacramento

San Bernardino

San Diego

San Francisco

San Jose

Stockton

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Sources: California Department of Toxic Substances Control, Environmental Working Group California legislation database, Clean Water Action California reports, California Assembly Bill tracking

Last Updated: June 30, 2025

Alabama is spending big money to get forever chemicals out of your drinking water. The state just committed over $127 million in federal infrastructure funds to help water systems across Alabama remove toxic PFAS chemicals – the largest investment in forever chemical cleanup in the state’s history.

Here’s where this money is going and what it means for your family’s water safety.

Alabama’s Historic Investment in Clean Water

The Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) announced it’s providing more than $127 million to help water systems deal with PFAS contamination. This money comes from two major federal funding sources: the State Revolving Fund and President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

The big picture:

• Over $127 million specifically for PFAS treatment and removal
• Funding helps both small rural communities and larger water systems
• Special focus on disadvantaged communities that can’t afford cleanup on their own
• Part of over $800 million in total water infrastructure investment across Alabama

Why this matters: Alabama has significant PFAS contamination, especially in North Alabama where 3M manufactured these chemicals for decades in Decatur. This is the first time the state has had serious money to actually fix the problem.

Where the Money Comes From

This isn’t state tax money – it’s coming from Washington through two main programs:

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL):

• Passed in 2021 under President Biden
• Largest federal investment in water infrastructure in American history
• Alabama expects to receive $765 million over five years from this law
• Includes special funding specifically for PFAS and other emerging contaminants

State Revolving Fund (SRF):

• Long-running federal-state partnership for water projects
• Provides low-interest loans and grants to water systems
• Has been helping Alabama communities for over 30 years
• Now enhanced with extra federal money for PFAS cleanup

The math: Alabama has received over $200 million in various federal water infrastructure funds since 2022, with the $127 million PFAS investment being the largest single commitment to forever chemical cleanup.

Which Communities Are Getting Help

The money is going to water systems across Alabama, with priority given to communities that need it most:

Small and disadvantaged communities:

• Rural areas that can’t afford expensive treatment systems
• Communities in Alabama’s Black Belt with historic infrastructure problems
• Water systems serving low-income populations

Areas with known PFAS problems:

• North Alabama, where 3M contaminated water supplies for decades
• Communities near airports and military bases (common PFAS sources)
• Water systems that have already detected forever chemicals

Recent examples:

• West Morgan East Lawrence Water Authority got help building a new treatment plant
• Multiple Black Belt communities received grants (not loans) for water infrastructure
• Small towns that couldn’t afford PFAS testing now getting financial assistance

How PFAS Got into Alabama’s Water

Forever chemicals didn’t just appear randomly in Alabama’s water supply. They got there through decades of industrial use:

3M’s Decatur plant:

• Made PFAS chemicals for over 40 years
• Contaminated the Tennessee River and surrounding areas
• Led to major water contamination in Lawrence and Morgan counties
• Company now under state consent order for cleanup

Other sources:

• Military bases using PFAS-containing firefighting foam
• Airports where foam was used for training
• Industrial facilities across the state
• Landfills where PFAS products were dumped

The scope: Since 2020, ADEM has required drinking water systems to test for PFAS. The results showed contamination was more widespread than previously known.

What This Money Actually Buys

$127 million sounds like a lot, but PFAS treatment is expensive. Here’s what this investment will fund:

Treatment technology:

• Reverse osmosis systems that filter out PFAS
• Activated carbon filters for smaller systems
• Ion exchange systems for specific types of contamination
• Regular monitoring and testing equipment

Infrastructure upgrades:

• New treatment plants for heavily contaminated systems
• Upgrading existing plants to handle PFAS removal
• Distribution system improvements
• Emergency backup treatment systems

Ongoing costs:

• Regular PFAS testing and monitoring
• Replacement of treatment filters and equipment
• Technical assistance for small water systems
• Training for water system operators

Is Your Community Getting Money?

If you live in Alabama and get your water from a public system, there’s a good chance your water company is eligible for this funding. Here’s how to find out:

Check with your water company:

• Ask if they’ve applied for PFAS treatment funding
• Request recent PFAS test results for your water
• Find out what treatment improvements are planned

Look for signs your community might qualify:

• Small or rural water system
• Located in an economically disadvantaged area
• Near known PFAS contamination sources
• Already detected PFAS in water tests

Contact ADEM directly:

• Alabama Department of Environmental Management handles the funding
• They can tell you if your water system has applied
• Visit their website or call for more information

What If You Have a Private Well?

If you get your water from a private well, this state funding doesn’t help you directly. You’re responsible for your own testing and treatment.

What you should do:

• Test your well water for PFAS, especially if you live in North Alabama
• Consider filtration systems if PFAS are found
• Check with local health departments for testing assistance
• Look into federal programs that might help individual well owners

The reality: Private well owners are mostly on their own when it comes to PFAS contamination, which is why this public system funding is so important for most Alabamians.

The Bigger Picture: Alabama’s Water Infrastructure Crisis

The $127 million for PFAS is part of a much larger effort to fix Alabama’s aging water systems:

Total state investment:

• Over $800 million committed to water infrastructure improvements
• $225 million from COVID relief funds for emergency projects
• Hundreds of millions more in low-interest loans available

The need:

• Nearly 40% of Alabama’s water systems applied for emergency funding
• Many systems haven’t been upgraded in 40-50 years
• Rural and disadvantaged communities hit hardest by infrastructure problems

Long-term impact: This federal investment is the biggest opportunity Alabama has ever had to fix its water infrastructure problems, including PFAS contamination.

What Happens Next

This money doesn’t fix everything overnight. PFAS cleanup is a long-term process:

Timeline expectations:

• Water systems must apply for and receive funding approval
• Treatment system design and installation takes 1-3 years
• Ongoing monitoring and maintenance continue indefinitely

Regulatory changes:

• EPA recently set drinking water standards for PFAS
• Alabama water systems must comply by 2031 (recently extended from 2029)
• More regulations likely coming for additional forever chemicals

Continued investment:

• More federal funding expected over the next several years
• State will continue providing technical assistance
• Private settlements (like 3M’s $12.5 billion) add to available resources

Bottom Line: Alabama Gets Serious About Forever Chemicals

Alabama’s $127 million investment in PFAS treatment represents the largest commitment ever made to removing forever chemicals from the state’s drinking water. Combined with federal infrastructure funds and private settlements, this is the best chance Alabama communities have ever had to clean up their water supply.

The good news: Help is coming for communities that have been dealing with PFAS contamination, especially in North Alabama where the problem is worst.

The reality: Even with this historic investment, cleanup will take years. Many water systems are just beginning to understand the scope of their PFAS problems.

Your best protection: Don’t wait for your water system to finish upgrading. Find out what’s in your water now and consider your own filtration options while the larger cleanup efforts move forward.

This investment shows Alabama is taking forever chemicals seriously. But protecting your family’s health today means staying informed about your local water quality and taking action if needed.

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Take Action Today

• Contact your water company – Ask about PFAS testing results and treatment plans
• Check ADEM’s website – See if your water system has received funding
• Test your water – Especially important for private well owners in North Alabama
• Consider filtration – Don’t wait for community-wide solutions
• Check our report HERE

Sources: Alabama Department of Environmental Management, EPA press releases, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding announcements | Last Updated: June 24, 2025