Our Scans · (LF.6) Clean Water and Sanitation · Weekly Summary

In September 2015, 193 world leaders agreed to 17 Global Goals for Sustainable Development. If these Goals are completed, it would mean an end to extreme poverty, inequality and climate change by 2030.
Goal 6. Ensure availability of water and sanitation for all.

• [New] With global initiatives promoting clean water access and sanitation, municipal demand for treatment chemicals is expected to remain strong over the coming years. EIN Presswire
• [New] Global water systems currently process roughly 320 trillion liters of wastewater annually and lose an estimated 100 trillion liters through ageing infrastructure-volumes that, if recovered, could offset AI's projected demand and reduce stress on freshwater resources. https://www.indianchemicalnews.com/
• [New] The Clean Water Act does not require states to adopt numeric, or numbers-based, nutrient criteria and concluded that the EPA's authorization of narrative standards will support Montana in its work to implement the Clean Water Act and protect state waters. Montana Free Press
• [New] Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule Starting in mid-2023 and continuing through early 2026, the EPA has been releasing the much-anticipated PFAS occurrence data for public drinking water systems through the UCMR 5. Manko Gold Katcher & Fox
• [New] Known as forever chemicals, PFAS compounds have been found widely in the environment, including thousands of groundwater sources throughout the U.S. PFAS compounds are currently the #1 emerging threat to water systems. RCAC
• [New] CCKA is working with state decision-makers to develop an Ocean Acidification and Hypoxia Policy that will set water quality standards that stop nutrient pollution and hot spots along the California coast. California Coastkeeper Alliance
• [New] Water-related risks are moving higher on the global agenda due to their profound economic implications. Whalesbook
• [New] For the UK water workforce, it presents both opportunity and risk: the prospect of renewed investment, clearer long-term direction and enhanced professional status, alongside uncertainty over regulation, enforcement and organisational change. Water Magazine
• [New] UK water remains central, with Thames Water expected to return to court in 2026 to complete its restructuring. Freshfields
• [New] At the other end of the scale among water and sewerage companies, customers of Severn Trent Water will see a rise of 10%. BBC News
• [New] Thames Water, which raised prices significantly nearly a year ago, will only increase bills by an average of £3 a year, or 0.4%, in April 2026, taking its average bill to £658 a year. BBC News
• [New] Household water bills climbed by £10 a month to an average of more than £600 last April, and in 2026 will see another above-inflation increase. BBC News
• [New] Over the next five years, £11 billion of water company investment will improve around 2,500 storm overflows. William Reed - Rethink Events
• [New] A roll-out of smart metering and mandatory efficiency labels on items like dishwashers and washing machines will help households monitor their water use and cut costs - delivering savings of £125 million on water and energy bills over the next decade. William Reed - Rethink Events
• [New] Water companies are currently undergoing a major rollout of smart water meters, with plans to install over 10 million devices by 2030. Michelmores
• [New] If approved by state officials, monthly water bills will likely increase in the second half of 2026. NJ
• [New] Water capture and management will be its biggest area of investment in 2026, as scientists warn climate change is making weather patterns increasingly erratic. BBC News
• [New] With so much uncertainty at the federal level, additional funding for the CWIA will help ensure New York communities have the resources they need to replace and repair essential water infrastructure. Earthjustice
• [New] By 2047, treated used-water could meet substantial industrial and irrigation demand in India, unlocking a Rs3 lakh crore economic opportunity. Hindustan Times
• [New] Water companies could increase bills by 36% between 2025 and 2030. The Guardian

Last updated: 02 February 2026