National bill would protect water utility customers from costs of PFAS cleanup
Metro continues advocating for regulations that control PFAS at the source
BRIGHTON — Colorado leaders are supporting a federal bill to protect water management entities from PFAS-related liabilities.
In June Metro Water Recovery hosted a panel with Rep. Gabe Evans and leaders of Aurora Water and South Adams County Water and Sanitation District to discuss the potential benefits of H.R. 1267. Evans is a co-sponsor of the bill.
PFAS are human-made chemical compounds found in everyday products, often referred to as “forever chemicals.” Wastewater, water treatment, and stormwater utilities are passive receivers of PFAS, which enter the water system when people wash, rinse or clean products containing the chemicals.
“Without explicit protection from Congress, water systems and our ratepayers could unfairly bear the costs of cleaning up PFAS pollution,” Metro Water Recovery CEO Mickey Conway said. “Polluters, not local water systems, are the ones who should be held responsible for cleanup costs.”
Current treatment options do not destroy PFAS, only move them to a different medium. Removing and disposing of PFAS is a costly endeavor, so this bill aims to protect ratepayers from paying for cleanup responsibilities.
Metro is actively monitoring and researching PFAS in wastewater, along with leading advocacy work to remove PFAS from consumer products and control PFAS at the source. The public can help protect our water by making informed choices about the products they use at home and in the workplace. Visit Metro’s website to learn more.
About Metro Water Recovery
Metro Water Recovery was formed under Colorado law in 1961. Metro is the largest resource recovery and clean water agency in the Rocky Mountain West, serving approximately 2 million people in an 817-square-mile area. In partnership with 65 local governments, including municipalities and special districts, we clean millions of gallons of water every day to be suitable for agriculture, aquatic life, recreation and water supply.
Contact: Amy Lovatt
Public Information Specialist
C: 719-661-8048 O: 720-400-8633
alovatt@metrowaterrecovery.com