In late June, we released the second phase of Waterkeeper Alliance’s ongoing PFAS monitoring initiative. Conducted in partnership with the Hispanic Access Foundation and 22 U.S. Waterkeeper groups in 19 states, the phase two sampling uncovered an alarming reality: 98% of U.S. surface waters tested across the country were contaminated with one or more toxic PFAS compound. We also found that 95% of sites downstream from wastewater treatment plants and 80% of sites downstream from land treated with biosolids had higher levels of contamination—often exceeding health-based guidelines. The Phase II report is more than a wake-up call. It’s a tool for action. It offers irrefutable evidence of a national crisis and provides critical data to demand stronger regulations from regulatory agencies like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and lawmakers at all levels to hold industrial polluters accountable and stop PFAS at the source.

‘Forever chemicals’ impact people around the world and we have weaved global messaging into related communications resources as well as the newly designed story map at waterkeeper.org/pfas, which houses the Phase I and Phase II reports, and will more easily accommodate future efforts and additions.

Special thanks to all of the participating U.S. Waterkeeper groups, including Black-Sampit Riverkeeper Erin Donmoyer and Spokane Riverkeeper Jule Schultz for presenting their findings during the rollout press briefing. So far, we’ve had several notable media hits—including The Guardian, MSN, E&E News (paywalled), state-based media outlets, such as Central Florida Public Media and ABC/CBS/FOX/NBC affiliate stations—as well as interest from The Associated Press and The New York Times.  

Thank you to every single one of you who participated in this crucially important work as well as those battling this toxic contamination in your communities across the movement – your efforts are truly making the invisible visible!

The United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit has sided with Waterkeeper Alliance and a coalition of environmental groups — including Bayou City Waterkeeper, Black Warrior Riverkeeper, San Antonio Bay Estuarine Waterkeeper, and Tennessee Riverkeeper — in a major legal victory, ruling that the U.S. EPA’s failure to update outdated pollution standards for seven major industrial sectors was arbitrary and capricious. 

The court ordered the agency to reconsider or fully explain its decision. This win stems from a 2023 lawsuit filed by the Environmental Integrity Project on behalf of Waterkeeper Alliance, Environment America, and others. The ruling underscores that the agency:

• Must consider advancements in pollution control technology

• Cannot ignore unregulated pollutants in its decisions

• Failed to address stormwater discharges from the Plastics Molding and Forming industry—98% of that sector’s pollution

• Failed to adequately review pretreatment standards and guidelines applicable to indirect dischargers to wastewater treatment plants

This decision builds on our longstanding work to enforce the U.S. Clean Water Act and protect communities from toxic industrial wastewater. U.S. EPA has 45 days to seek further review. 

Waterkeeper Alliance, Lake Erie Waterkeeper Association, and Food & Water Watch have been approved to intervene in a federal lawsuit, Board of Lucas County Commissioners et al. v. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. We are challenging U.S. EPA’s approval of a flawed cleanup plan for western Lake Erie that aims to reduce harmful algal blooms, but ignores factory farm waste and runoff—a major driver of the problem. Our complaint, filed in the Ohio District Court on July 8, joins efforts by the City of Toledo, Lucas County, and the Environmental Law and Policy Center in demanding a lawful cleanup plan to restore polluted waterways.

In the latest episode of Equity In Every Drop, Upper Potomac Riverkeeper Brent Walls and Luis Cruz of Hispanic Access Foundation discuss the fight against persistent pollutants and why protecting vulnerable communities can’t wait. Brent Walls not only breaks down the PFAS cycle but also shares a hopeful message: with political will and proper funding, we can use existing technology to clean up PFAS and other toxic contaminants, paving the way for a cleaner, healthier future. Listen here or wherever you get your podcasts!

Our latest Who Is Waterkeeper highlights the work of Gomti River Waterkeeper, Dr. Venkatesh Dutta. From his early days spent exploring the ponds of his hometown to his current role as a fierce advocate for one of the Ganges’ major tributaries, Venkatesh has always shared a deep bond with water. A professor, environmentalist, and writer, he has spent years defending the 960-kilometer Gomti River from pollution, encroachment, and neglect. His work has led to meaningful wins—like the official declaration of a protected 100-meter floodplain along the river—and inspired broader efforts to reclaim and restore India's rivers. For Venkatesh, becoming a Waterkeeper wasn’t just a decision; it was a calling rooted in memory, community, and the urgent need to speak for the voiceless waters that sustain us all.

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