Looking down the track

Here we stand at the beginning of another calendar year, another 12-month heat in the race that is life. There is optimism for what 2024 can bring, despite the many hurdles and obstacles on the lengthy track ahead — an election year, PFAS, workforce, inflation, BABA, etc.

In this issue of Wastewater Digest, we once again share the annual State of the Industry survey results, which act as a compass on business decisions and directions for wastewater professionals. While much has remained the same — the average respondent age is 60 years old or older, and upgrading facilities is more likely than new construction — there are some nuances worth your while in the full report.

Chief among the most critical issues are state and federal regulations. When I and our editors look at this more closely, it is clear that PFAS is the biggest question mark for wastewater professionals as we enter 2024. While drinking water experts await the final ruling of the PFAS MCL, wastewater leaders are still holding out for a risk assessment of PFAS in biosolids. That research is expected by the end of the year, according to EPA Assistant Administrator to the Office of Water Radhika Fox, and you can read more about the agency’s achievements related to PFAS and its strategic direction for the future in our coverage.

With that said, the comments from Fox will be some of her last as the leader of the Office of Water, as she announced that she will leave the agency at the end of February 2024. At the time of this writing in mid-January, it is not clear who will replace her in this role, but Wastewater Digest will cover the transition as we learn more.

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