Global Scans · Clean Water and Sanitation · Weekly Summary

In September 2015, 193 world leaders agreed to 17 Global Goals for Sustainable Development. If these Goals are completed, it would mean an end to extreme poverty, inequality and climate change by 2030.
Goal 6. Ensure availability of water and sanitation for all.

• [New] EPA retained only the 4 ppt Maximum Contaminant Levels for PFO and PFOS, Public water systems will now have an additional two years (until 2031) to comply with the MCL for PFOA and PFOS. BCLP - Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner - Federal PFAS Regul
• [New] Ensuring safe drinking water and reliable water infrastructure as well as the protection and restoration of waterbodies and watersheds will be priorities for EPA in the coming years. J. J. Keller Compliance Network
• [New] In 2026, Clean Water Action will be seeking the passage of several bills to remove mercury from skin lighteners, carcinogens in hair products and PFAS in menstrual products. Clean Water Action
• [New] Upcoming UN water meetings, the end of the Water Action Decade in 2028 and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals deadline should be used as turning points to elevate water within climate, food and biodiversity negotiations. Geographical
• [New] The Nature Restoration Regulation, now in force, is translating one of the EU's key biodiversity targets into concrete action - restoring ecosystems to improve water and food security, protect communities from climate risks and support Europe's long-term resilience and prosperity. Environment
• [New] If water bodies in and around Detroit contain more contaminants, they could harm people who eat the fish they catch. Planet Detroit
• [New] The PERMIT Act, now under Senate review, threatens to weaken the Clean Water Act, risking higher pollution levels in Detroit's drinking water and endangering the health and cultural practices of local communities. Planet Detroit
• [New] By holding the 65-year-old agreement in abeyance and vowing to divert waters to Rajasthan, New Delhi has not only breached its legal obligations to Pakistan but has weaponized the most fundamental resource of life itself-water-putting the human rights of 240 million people at grave risk. Kashmir Media Service
• [New] Water could be used to make fuel on-site, thus expanding further mining and general space exploration without relying on resources from Earth. Discover Magazine
• [New] Saudi telecoms giant STC plans to invest USD 800 million to expand Syria's fibre-optic network, and agreements were also signed with ACWA Power on water and desalination projects. MUFG Research
• [New] Any resulting UK measures could have significant implications across multiple sectors, including chemicals, manufacturing, textiles, electronics and a wide range of consumer products that rely on PFAS for water, stain or heat resistance. Jones Day
• [New] Because groundwater responds more slowly than surface water, continued monitoring into winter and early spring 2026 will be critical to assess whether recent rainfall and seasonal recharge allow levels to rebound or if dry conditions continue to depress the water table. Delaware Climate Office
• [New] Low streamflows will have an affect on water availability, ecosystem health, and water quality across Delaware if conditions persist into winter and early spring. Delaware Climate Office
• [New] Water utilities in the United States are facing a generational risk and need to find thousands of new workers quickly to manage and maintain critical infrastructure and ensure communities have access to high-quality water and services. Yahoo Finance
• [New] The Ministry of Rural Development has outlined its strategy to achieve 100% nationwide coverage of clean water and sanitation by 2030. Khmer Times - Insight into Cambodia
• [New] Across both catchments, £150 million will be invested to capture 190 million liters - or nearly 32 million toilet flushes' worth - of excess flows during heavy rainfall so they can be fully treated, protecting bathing water quality by preventing storm overflow discharges. Anglian Water Services
• [New] The U.S. Departments of Agriculture and State announced a strengthened commitment under the 1944 Water Treaty that will improve cross-border water management and provide greater certainty for growers who depend on reliable water deliveries from the Rio Grande. Irrigation Today
• [New] Updates to the 1944 Water Treaty could reduce uncertainty for irrigation-dependent farms in South Texas. Irrigation Today
• [New] The U.S. is to deliver water from the Colorado River for use in Mexico, while Mexico is expected to deliver water from its tributaries back to the Rio Grande for use by farmers and communities in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. Texas Farm Bureau
• [New] In addition to paying back the water debt, Mexico will deliver a minimum of 350,000 acre-feet of water per year in the current five-year cycle, which began last month and runs through 2030. Texas Farm Bureau

Last updated: 22 February 2026