At the same time, the EU Drinking Water Directive and the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive revisions are compelling utilities and industries to monitor and remove PFAS at much lower thresholds, driving advancements in adsorptive and destructive technologies. Industry leaders, including those presenting at PFAS Treatment Europe 2026, will emphasise the growing need for compliance-based treatment planning, embedding regulatory foresight into process engineering, waste management, and permitting. As the European Chemicals Agency refines its restriction dossier, the 2026 outlook positions PFAS regulation not only as an environmental safeguard but also as a catalyst for technological transformation and sustainable growth across the water and waste sectors.
How Utilities Are Tackling PFAS
Relying solely on conventional filtration systems will not be sufficient to address PFAS contamination moving forward. Advanced solutions, including specialised adsorbents, high-pressure membrane processes, and innovative treatment media, are essential to manage a wide range of PFAS compounds. At the same time, data collection and real-time system monitoring remain vital. Many key authorities in the sector are only now identifying previously undetected sources of PFAS contamination.
Modern detection and measurement tools are significantly lowering contamination risks. The rising demands for comprehensive water treatment and monitoring platforms are driving the development of new business models and services. The key to success in this changing landscape is clear: transparent and reliable data.
Water utilities and treatment plants now form part of a broader ecosystem, where the seamless integration of processes and systems is crucial for addressing PFAS contamination comprehensively.
The integration of advanced water systems with digital monitoring platforms is creating new communication protocols and technical standards. Although the digitisation of water treatment presents challenges for many regions and companies, traditional, proven methods such as enhanced adsorbent materials and specialised membrane technologies for PFAS removal continue to be refined and improved.
Water utilities serve not only as providers of safe water but also as protectors of community health, reshaping their approach to source control and clean-up efforts. Many utilities are now investing in on-site monitoring and remediation strategies, reducing reliance on external data and enabling quicker responses. This approach strengthens resilience, enhances operational flexibility, and ensures compliance with stricter regulatory standards.
Additionally, managing by-products such as sludge produced during PFAS treatment has evolved into a crucial element of comprehensive water treatment plans. These integrated solutions address the complete lifecycle of PFAS removal, supporting the goal of providing safe and sustainable water supplies.
