As regulatory priorities shift at both the federal and state levels, staying compliant with water quality standards requires more than routine monitoring—it demands adaptability, defensible data, and an understanding of how new EPA guidance may impact permits and public expectations.
From PFAS to biosolids to ecological benchmarks, the compliance landscape is evolving. Here’s what to watch—and how to stay ahead.
State-Level Oversight Is Expanding
A federal regulatory freeze in early 2025 led to the withdrawal of proposed PFAS wastewater discharge limits under the OCPSF category. With those rules shelved, many states are taking regulatory matters into their own hands—revising NPDES permits, bolstering pretreatment programs, and introducing PFAS-specific permit conditions.
Federal deregulation is expected to continue, meaning compliance strategies will depend more heavily on understanding state-specific requirements. Staying informed across jurisdictions is now a must.
Permit Holders Remain Accountable
Even with enforcement responsibilities shifting, the legal responsibility for compliance remains squarely with the permit holder. Municipalities, industrial operators, and engineering teams must maintain rigorous self-monitoring programs and ensure their laboratory data is accurate, timely, and method-compliant.
PFAS MCLs in Drinking Water Are Finalized
While some PFAS-related wastewater rules were withdrawn, others have moved forward. The EPA’s final rule establishing Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for six PFAS compounds in drinking water was published in the Federal Register in 2024 and is not subject to the regulatory freeze.
Drinking water systems must comply by 2029, making now the time to update monitoring plans, validate methods, and assess treatment feasibility.
Source: Kleinfelder, 2025
Beyond PFAS: New EPA Guidance Adds Complexity
Aquatic Life Benchmarks (September 2024)
EPA’s finalized water quality criteria for protecting aquatic life focus on pollutant thresholds in milligrams per liter (mg/L), rather than parts per billion (ng/L). While these values are less likely to drive new discharge permit limits, they reflect a continued shift toward ecological protection—especially in freshwater and estuarine systems.
How AEL Supports This:
We offer full analytical support for metals, nutrients, and general water quality, including stormwater and NPDES programs. Our Florida-based labs are well-versed in both federal and state benchmark monitoring.
Biosolids Risk Assessment (January 2025)
EPA released a draft biosolids risk assessment based on a hypothetical high-exposure scenario: a farmer’s family living entirely off locally grown food and surface water. While not guidance, this model could influence public perceptions and land application policies.
How AEL Supports This:
Our biosolids testing includes PFAS by Method 1633, 533, and 537.1, with Level IV data packages and site-specific reporting. We help clients assess exposure potential and prepare for more rigorous scrutiny.
How AEL Lab Supports Compliance Success
At Advanced Environmental Laboratories (AEL), we deliver the accredited testing, regulatory insight, and fast turnaround times that today’s environmental professionals rely on:
NPDES and stormwater compliance testing
PFAS and drinking water analysis
Remedial investigations and CERCLA site support
Custom electronic data deliverables (EDDs) and defensible reporting
Certified. Trusted. Regulator-Approved.
AEL’s testing programs are aligned with today’s most critical environmental frameworks:
ISO/IEC 17025 Accredited – Ensuring consistent, technically sound results
NELAC/TNI Certified – Recognized in Florida and over 19 additional states
DoD ELAP Accredited – Qualified for federal PFAS and emerging contaminant projects
Certified in key states – Including Florida, North Carolina, and others
Aligned with the Clean Water Act (CWA), Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), and remediation guidance
Let’s Talk Testing
Whether you’re planning for PFAS MCLs, evaluating biosolids exposure, or interpreting aquatic life benchmarks—compliance starts with reliable lab data.
Explore our PFAS testing methods and capabilities here.
Contact us today to discuss your water quality compliance needs. www.aellab.com/contact-us
