The top WaterWorld articles of 2025
From in-depth technical features to policy analysis and real-world case studies, WaterWorld’s most-read articles in 2025 explored how the water sector is responding to mounting regulatory pressure, aging infrastructure and emerging contaminants. These stories offered practical insights for utility leaders and water professionals navigating a rapidly evolving landscape. The following roundup highlights the top WaterWorld articles of 2025 and the topics that resonated most with our readers.
1. How PFAS regulations have changed in the Trump administration, so far
Much of what took place under the Biden administration is likely to be scrutinized by the new Trump administration. Regarding PFAS regulations in water and wastewater, here’s what we know.
2. PFAS treatment and litigation strategies for water systems
The Biden Administration took a firm approach when it came to regulating per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The administration set Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for certain PFAS chemicals in drinking water, designated PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environment Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), and proposed listing PFAS as hazardous constituents under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).
3. PFAS and smart water take charge in Xylem's booth at ACE25
Featuring one of the largest booths at AWWA ACE25, Xylem showcased it's PFAS piloting and its smart water solutions capabilities in Denver.
4. PFAS & funding dominate EPA admin nomination hearing
The U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works held a public hearing for nominee Lee M. Zeldin on January 16, 2025.
5. Getting started on microplastics: A contaminant unlike any other
As per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are taking the spotlight as the high-profile contaminant, conversations surrounding microplastics are quickly on the rise. Testing, piloting and treatment for PFAS has just begun, but water professionals feel the looming presence of microplastics on the horizon. Like PFAS, microplastics come in many forms, with different compounds, sizes and masses.
6. El Paso Water's Pure Water Center: A milestone in water reuse technology
Following years of planning, design and water testing, El Paso Water broke ground on its Pure Water Center on February 27, 2025. The center will receive treated water from the Roberto Bustamante Wastewater Treatment Plant to produce 10 MGD of drinking water for El Paso residents.
7. Modernizing outreach strategies for lead service line replacements
Greater Cincinnati Water Works was experiencing low engagement rates with voluntary lead service line replacement programs. Initial attempts at line replacement utilizing a cost-sharing method yielded a 42% engagement rate.
8. Who is the new U.S. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin?
The U.S. Senate approved Lee Zeldin as administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on January 29, 2025, with a 56-42 vote.
9. Trump receives thumbs down from water industry
Water industry professionals skewed toward disapproval of President Donald Trump's performance in office thus far.
10. ACE25 highlights the importance of water in Denver and across the country
The American Water Works Association (AWWA) kicked off its Annual Conference & Exposition (ACE) on Monday June 9, 2025. The opening general session focused on the rich history of Denver, where the conference is held this year, and the importance of water in people’s daily lives.