Clean water should not depend on your ZIP code, yet for many rural communities, the discovery of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) can trigger an immediate crisis. Small towns often rely on a single drinking water source. If that lone source tests positive for “forever chemicals,” which are commonly found in many consumer products, the lack of a backup drinking water source can increase the vulnerabilities of small communities.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes that over 90% of U.S. drinking water systems across the country serve populations of fewer than 10,000. As one industry analysis warns, drinking water systems across America face a mounting PFAS threat, with vastly different response capacities. Large urban utilities typically have ample resources to detect and remove these persistent chemicals, while small rural systems are challenged by tight budgets and limited or lacking technical support.
Regardless of utility size, these systems must spread the costs of testing or treatment across their customers. Large systems can absorb larger and more expensive upgrades due to their extensive customer base. A small customer base, however, leads to smaller economies of scale, leaving rural systems struggling to afford basic necessities like lab testing, treatment systems and qualified staff.
PFAS testing represents a financial challenge for small systems for multiple reasons. PFAS is a contaminant that exists on and in many everyday items, from cosmetics to clothing. Testing requires specialized sampling techniques due to the high risk of false positives. Given that risk, many states require certified testing labs have certified samplers.
Small utility systems that conduct their own sampling often encounter significant challenges when attempting to transport samples to a lab. These systems are often remote, and samples must arrive within strict time limits, sometimes requiring hours of travel to reach a courier for timely delivery. Additionally, the cost of testing, sampling, hired personnel and transportation makes PFAS sampling one of the most expensive compliance requirements, a cost that only increases if the sample is positive. If PFAS contamination is confirmed, bringing systems into compliance is a lengthy process.
Consequences of contamination extend far beyond a failed water test. It is both a public health and economic issue, with studies linking exposure to increased cancer risk, developmental delays in children and immune system impacts. Therefore, for a rural community without alternative water sources, a PFAS exceedance can create immediate fear and uncertainty. Residents may be forced to rely on bottled water or other costly temporary solutions for months or years while long-term fixes are implemented.
At the same time, economic impacts can follow. Businesses might hesitate to invest in communities that lack safe drinking water, property values can decline and over time, these pressures may contribute to population loss and economic stagnation in already vulnerable communities.
Meeting PFAS requirements involves more than testing and monitoring; those are only the first steps with outcomes that will determine a community’s future. Subsequent steps typically include engineering studies, funding applications, capital infrastructure development and long-term operations and maintenance for years to come. Compliance also requires training and technical expertise that many small systems lack. Rural communities often do not have in-house grant writers, engineers or compliance specialists. While federal funding exists to assist utilities, navigating these programs can be complicated and time-consuming, and many utilities lack the capacity to access them. Strong standards are essential for protecting public health, but they do not guarantee successful implementation.
Whether they are rural or urban, every ZIP code deserves safe drinking water. As federal and state leaders address PFAS contamination, it is clear that implementation strategies must reflect the realities of small and rural systems. This includes ensuring access to funding, simplifying program requirements and expanding hands-on technical assistance.
Fortunately, the federal government is beginning to recognize and address these challenges. The EPA, for example, finalized national PFAS drinking water standards in 2024 and made funding available through recent infrastructure investments. The rule also includes additional flexibility to help small systems meet requirements, such as reduced monitoring requirements and the ability to use existing data.
Federal agencies have also expanded technical assistance programs that provide hands-on support to rural communities. Organizations like the Rural Community Assistance Partnership play a critical role in this effort by helping small systems understand regulations, secure and manage funding and implementing practical solutions on the ground.
While this progress is welcomed, the government must continue to prioritize this issue and move progress forward. Turning national standards into real-world results will require meeting communities where they are and equipping them with the tools they need to succeed.
Closing the rural PFAS implementation gap is not just about compliance. It is about protecting public health, sustaining local economies and ensuring rural communities are not left behind. With the right support, these communities can meet emerging standards, protect their residents and continue to thrive. Clean water for all must include clean water for rural America.
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