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Maryland AG Sues DC Water Over Potomac Interceptor Sewage Spill

Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown and the Maryland Department of the Environment filed a lawsuit in Montgomery County Circuit Court against DC Water for violations of state water pollution laws stemming from a January 2026 rupture of the Potomac Interceptor sewer line that discharged an estimated 240 million gallons of raw sewage over eight days. The complaint seeks civil penalties of up to $10,000 per day for each violation, reimbursement for all environmental testing and cleanup costs, natural resource damages, and a court order permanently prohibiting future unauthorized discharges.

Presidential Determination Exempting Air Force Jet Training from Water Pollution Rules

President Trump has issued a Presidential Determination exempting Air Force jet fighter training operations in Idaho, Oregon, and Nevada from Federal, State, interstate, and local water pollution control requirements for a 1-year period beginning April 20, 2026. The exemption is made pursuant to section 313 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1323(a)) and does not extend to 33 U.S.C. 1316 and 1317. The exemption is connected to ongoing litigation in Oregon Natural Desert Ass'n v. Meink, Case No. 2:23-cv-01898 (D. Or.).

FERC Combined Filings - Electric Corporate, Wholesale Generators, Rate Filings

FERC received multiple electric corporate, exempt wholesale generator, and electric rate filings between April 13-15, 2026. Filings include a Section 203 joint application supplement from AEP Indiana Michigan Transmission Company and Mammoth North LLC, self-certification notices from renewable energy companies, and numerous market-based rate tariff revisions under Section 205(d) from wind, solar, and hydro generators. Comment deadlines range from April 23 to May 6, 2026.

Justice Department Files Clean Water Act Complaint Against DC Water for Potomac Interceptor Failure

The Department of Justice, on behalf of EPA, filed a civil complaint in federal court against the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC Water) and the District of Columbia for Clean Water Act violations stemming from the January 19, 2026 collapse of the Potomac Interceptor, which discharged more than 200 million gallons of raw, untreated sewage into the Potomac River. The complaint alleges DC Water failed to properly operate and maintain its sewer system in a manner that keeps untreated sewage out of waterways and areas with risk of human contact. The complaint seeks financial penalties, sewer assessment and rehabilitation projects, pollutant mitigation work, and an order requiring DC Water to develop an Enhanced Operations and Maintenance Plan for all its sewer lines.

Arthur West v. Lower Duwamish Waterway Group

The Washington Court of Appeals Division I filed an opinion in Arthur West v. Lower Duwamish Waterway Group et al (Docket 87289-3) on April 20, 2026. The appeal challenges a September 13, 2024 judgment by Judge Tanya L. Thorp. The three-judge panel consists of Linda Coburn (author), Tam Bui (concurring), and Leonard Feldman. Appellant Arthur West appears pro se.

Water First International v. Water.org - Opposition to BRING WATER HOME

The TTAB initiated Opposition No. TTAB91306735 on April 20, 2026. Water First International, Inc. filed as the Opposer against WATER.ORG, INC. regarding the registration of the trademark BRING WATER HOME. The opposition remains pending.

Polymers for Hyperuricemia Treatment Granted to Waterstone

The USPTO granted patent US12605401B2 to Waterstone Pharmaceuticals (Wuhan) Co., Ltd. covering polymers and compositions for binding uric acid and treating hyperuricemia, gout, and related diseases. The patent, with 20 claims, was filed on May 18, 2022 under Application No. 17747006 and lists eight inventors.

EPA Region 1 Superfund Groundwater OU1 Annual Report Oct 2014-Sep 2015

EPA Region 1 published its Operable Unit 1 (OU1) annual report covering groundwater remediation activities from October 2014 through September 2015. The document is filed under docket EPA-R01-SFUND-2026-0430. The source content consists solely of a navigation page with a PDF download link; no substantive regulatory text, obligations, or deadlines are present in the provided content.

Groundwater Remediation Report, Oct 2019-Sep 2020

EPA published a groundwater remediation report covering activities from October 1, 2019 through September 30, 2020. The document summarizes cleanup progress across affected sites but contains no new regulatory requirements or enforcement obligations.

Tenth Circuit Upholds New Mexico Stream Access Victory

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit affirmed New Mexico's constitutional right to public water access, upholding injunctions previously secured by Attorney General Raúl Torrez against private landowners on the Pecos River. The appellate ruling rejected landowners' appeal of a federal district court decision that found New Mexicans have the right to use and enjoy public waters for recreation. The court prohibited landowners from erecting obstructions or posting signs interfering with established public fishing and recreation rights.

California Water Quality Enforcement Policy

The California State Water Resources Control Board adopted a revised Water Quality Enforcement Policy effective November 7, 2024, establishing a structured 10-step methodology for calculating administrative civil liability in water quality enforcement cases. The policy covers both discharge violations (per-gallon and per-day assessments) and non-discharge violations, includes mandatory minimum penalties for NPDES permit violations, and incorporates environmental justice provisions for disadvantaged communities.

ID DEQ Awards $1.8M to Lewiston for PFOS and PFOA Water Cleanup

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality awarded $1,800,000 in low-interest drinking water emerging contaminant construction loan funding to the City of Lewiston in Nez Perce County. The funding will address PFOS and PFOA emerging contaminants by constructing a carbon dioxide system at the water treatment plant and decommissioning Well 4. The loan carries a 0% interest rate and $1,800,000 in principal forgiveness, representing $2,724,895 in savings compared to average municipal general obligation debt.

Hudson Estuary Trees for Tribs Potting Up Event for Arbor Day

NY DEC announced the Hudson Estuary Trees for Tribs program will hold a 'Potting Up' volunteer event on April 24-25, 2026 at DEC Region 3 Headquarters in New Paltz. Volunteers aged 16 and older can help prepare thousands of bare-root seedlings grown at the Colonel William F. Fox Memorial Saratoga Tree Nursery for stream restoration projects throughout the Hudson Valley watershed. The event supports Governor Hochul's 25 Million Trees Initiative targeting 25 million trees by 2033.

Director Bradley Outlines Agency Accomplishments, July 2025

Nebraska DWEE Director Jesse Bradley announced agency accomplishments including $1.8 million in estimated first-year savings from the merger creating the department on July 1, 2025. The department is administering $307 million in EPA funding for energy efficiency projects and $628 million for the Perkins County Canal project, which is 60% designed and on track for 2032.

California Water Quality Enforcement Policy 2024 Guidance

The California State Water Resources Control Board has published the 2024 Water Quality Enforcement Policy, replacing the 2017 version. The policy provides guidance for Water Board staff on enforcement processes to address water quality violations under the Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act. A revised penalty methodology spreadsheet accompanies the policy.

Lytle v. Lind - Split-Rail Fence Unreasonably Interfered With Easement Right-of-Way

The Maine Supreme Judicial Court reversed a York County Superior Court partial summary judgment in Lytle v. Lind, holding that a split-rail fence installed by the Linds within a ten-foot-wide right-of-way easement unreasonably interfered with the neighbors' easement rights as a matter of law. The fence ran parallel to the common boundary along the center of the right-of-way, dividing it into two portions and obstructing the path used by neighbors to access the Webhannet River with water-sports equipment.

Modular System for Cold Water Exposure Therapy Using Directed Ice Impingement

The USPTO granted patent US12605274B1 to Brrr Tech, LLC on April 21, 2026, covering a modular cold water exposure therapy system using directed ice impingement. The system includes an ice container configured to form and hold treatment ice, an agitator module with pump and impingement ports for circulating chilled water, and mobile app connectivity for session tracking. The patent protects methods for forming treatment ice, circulating treatment water, and conducting controlled cold exposure sessions in clinical and at-home settings.

Soochow University Patent: Aniline Acid Anhydride Preparation Method

The USPTO granted Patent US12606530B2 to Soochow University on April 21, 2026, covering an aniline acid anhydride, its preparation method, and a polyaminoacid graft chain. The preparation involves an addition-elimination reaction between N-phenyl amino acid and Boc anhydride under acidic conditions, followed by cyclization under nitrogen to obtain the aniline anhydride. The polyaminoacid graft chain is intended for covalent bonding with fiber materials to improve water-repellent fabric fastness while maintaining wearability.

ST LNG Deepwater Port Draft Environmental Impact Statement Available for Public Comment

MARAD announces the availability of a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the ST LNG Deepwater Port license application. The project proposes a deepwater port terminal approximately 10.4 nautical miles offshore Matagorda, Texas, capable of exporting up to 8.4 million metric tons per annum of liquefied natural gas. MARAD requests public comments on the DEIS and announces an informational open house and public meeting on May 6, 2026, in Bay City, Texas.

H5493 Resolution Honors 70th Beaufort Water Festival

The South Carolina House of Representatives passed H5493, a ceremonial resolution honoring the 70th Beaufort Water Festival scheduled for July 17–26, 2026. The resolution thanks Dusty Vickers for serving as Commodore and recognizes those who organize, sponsor, volunteer, and participate in the festival. No regulatory obligations or compliance requirements are established by this resolution.

H5490 Passes, Congratulates Landrum Water Plant

The South Carolina House of Representatives adopted H5490, a resolution congratulating Spartanburg Water's Landrum Drinking Water Treatment Plant on receiving the 'Best Tasting Water' award in South Carolina. The resolution commends Spartanburg Water for maintaining high standards that provide safe, reliable water to its customers. The resolution was introduced and adopted on April 2, 2026.

CDS Stoneridge Utilities Requests 43% Water Rate Increase

The Idaho Public Utilities Commission issued Order No. 37012 scheduling a customer hearing for CDS Stoneridge Utilities' pending application to increase water rates by 43%. The hearing is set for May 20, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Blanchard Community Center, 685 Rusho Lane, Blanchard, ID 83804. Customers may also participate remotely by calling 1-208-985-2810 and entering conference number 491 690 998#.

Goleta West Sanitary District Fined $1.55M for Sewage Spill

The Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board approved a $1.55 million administrative civil liability settlement against Goleta West Sanitary District for a February 2024 sewage spill that discharged over 1 million gallons of untreated wastewater near Goleta Beach in Santa Barbara County. The spill closed Goleta Beach for 23 days and affected the Goleta Slough State Marine Conservation Area and Pacific Ocean. The penalty is the largest ever approved by the regional board for a singular discharge event.

Boil Water Advisory Rescinded for City of Humboldt, Allen County, Kansas

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has rescinded a boil water advisory for the City of Humboldt public water supply system in Allen County. The advisory was originally issued due to a loss of pressure, which may result in loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination. Laboratory testing of drinking water samples collected from the City of Humboldt indicates no evidence of bacteriological contamination, and all conditions that placed the system at risk are resolved.

Beech Grove Water Authorized $21,581.19 Meter Replacement

The Kentucky Public Service Commission authorized Beech Grove Water System to use $21,581.19 in water loss surcharge funds to replace 18 water meters on Roland Street. The Commission reduced the requested amount from $22,931.19 to $21,581.19 due to insufficient documentation supporting higher labor costs. Beech Grove Water must file proof of expenditures from the water loss surcharge account with its monthly activity report following each expenditure.

World Bank Group Reforms and Development Priorities Statement

Fabio Panetta, Governor of the Bank of Italy, delivered a statement at the 113th Development Committee meeting emphasizing the World Bank Group's pivotal role in supporting vulnerable countries amid ongoing conflicts, geopolitical tensions, and economic uncertainty. The statement endorses sharper focus on outcomes, integrated sector strategies, stronger knowledge functions, private capital mobilization, and robust risk management as core reform priorities. Panetta highlighted payment infrastructure, the business-enabling environment, and strategic partnerships with IFC and MIGA as essential development enablers, and noted Italy's co-financing commitments under the Mattei Plan targeting African water investments.

Kentucky American Water Company Seeks $100M Debt Authority

The Kentucky Public Service Commission approved Kentucky American Water Company's application to issue indebtedness in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $100,000,000 through December 31, 2027. The authorization covers four separate long-term debt financing events planned between May 2026 and September 2027, with proceeds to refinance short-term debt used for construction expenditures and acquisition activities. The Commission found the request satisfies the lawful object and public service standards under KRS 278.300.

England Recovers From Drought as Heavy Rain Restores Water Levels

The National Drought Group confirmed on 23 March 2026 that all regions in England have recovered from drought status following four months of above-average rainfall. East Anglia became the final area to exit recovery status. Reservoir storage for England is at 95%, slightly above average for this time of year. However, officials warn that climate change will bring more rapid swings between drought and flooding. Water companies must finalise their statutory drought plans by end of March 2026.

Mountain Water District Rate Case Decision Without Hearing

The Kentucky Public Service Commission issued an order granting in part Mountain Water District's motion to submit Case No. 2025-00327 for a decision without a hearing. The Commission granted the request to decide the rate case on the existing record but denied the request to close the record as of March 31, 2026. The record will remain open until further Order to allow Commission Staff to issue additional information requests and for Mountain Water District to submit a supplemental rate case expense report.

Cross-Connection Survey Water System Compliance Inspection

GSA has published a solicitation for cross-connection survey services to assess water system compliance at federal facilities. Cross-connection surveys identify potential contamination risks between drinking water systems and other water sources. Contractors with relevant expertise in water system inspection and environmental compliance are invited to review and respond to the solicitation.

Harry Reid International Airport NPDES Permit Renewal NV0023761

The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection has issued a Notice of Proposed Action to renew NPDES permit NV0023761 for Harry Reid International Airport, operated by the Clark County Department of Aviation. The permit covers nonprocess wastewater discharges. The public comment period closes May 15, 2026.

Texas AG sues Permian Basin Containers for environmental violations

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against Permian Basin Containers, LLC and related entities for environmental violations stemming from a catastrophic chemical fire at their Odessa facility on July 23, 2024. The fire released toxic substances including benzene into the air, soil, and groundwater, contaminating surrounding properties and endangering residents. The state seeks injunctive relief requiring full site remediation and recovery of cleanup costs and damages.

EPA Actions on PFAS: Drinking Water, CERCLA, and Water Quality

The EPA has finalized a national drinking water standard for PFAS, designated PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances under CERCLA, and published water quality criteria for PFAS to protect aquatic life. These actions aim to reduce PFAS exposure and improve cleanup accountability.

New Rules on Water Company Executives' Integrity and Consumer Involvement

Ofwat's new Fitness and Propriety rule and Consumer Involvement in decision making rule came into force on 1 April 2026. The rules require water company board director candidates to pass fit and proper person tests covering honesty, integrity, knowledge, experience, and financial soundness. Companies must also demonstrate how they involve consumers in decision-making. Ofwat may issue directions or enforcement action for non-compliance.

Ofwat Proposes £22m Fine for South East Water Supply Failures

Ofwat has proposed a £22 million fine for South East Water following an investigation into repeated supply failures between 2020 and 2023. The failures affected over 286,000 customers and were attributed to inadequate planning, poor infrastructure maintenance, and a lack of resilience. A public consultation on the proposed fine is now open.

EPA Extends PFOA/PFOS Drinking Water Compliance Deadlines to 2031

The EPA announced it will maintain existing Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for PFOA and PFOS in drinking water but will extend compliance deadlines for public water systems from 2029 to 2031. The agency also intends to rescind and reconsider regulations for other PFAS compounds.

EPA Report on Cryptosporidium Removal Process Optimization

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released a report detailing findings and recommendations for optimizing Cryptosporidium removal processes in public water systems. This notice serves to make the report publicly available and does not impose new regulatory requirements.

EPA Financial Capability Assessment Guidance

The EPA has issued new guidance on assessing the financial capability of entities seeking permits under the Clean Water Act. This guidance aims to ensure that permittees have the financial resources to comply with environmental regulations and operate safely.

Webster County Water District Rate Adjustment Order Correction

The Kentucky Public Service Commission issued a nunc pro tunc order correcting a previous rate adjustment order for Webster County Water District. The correction amends Appendix B to reflect the accurate minimum bill for a 3-Inch Meter, changing it from $303.86 to $308.14.

TCEQ Approves Environmental Enforcement Penalties Against 40 Entities

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) approved penalties totaling $1,265,590 against 40 regulated entities for violations of state environmental regulations. Enforcement orders included 12 air quality, 3 industrial wastewater discharges, 1 multi-media, 11 municipal wastewater discharges, 3 petroleum storage tank, and 7 public water system violations under agreed orders, plus 3 default orders for hazardous waste, multi-media, and water quality violations.