Small community water systems — those serving fewer than 10,000 people — face disproportionate PFAS treatment challenges compared to large urban utilities. Regulatory compliance costs, engineering capacity limitations, and economies of scale that make treatment affordable for large systems are all less favorable for small systems, even as they face identical regulatory requirements.
Scale Disadvantage in PFAS Treatment
Capital costs for PFAS treatment technologies — GAC contactors, nanofiltration systems, ion exchange installations — include fixed engineering, permitting, and construction costs that do not scale proportionally with treatment capacity. A small system treating 100,000 gallons per day may face per-gallon treatment costs 3 to 5 times higher than a large metropolitan system treating 100 million gallons per day, even with equivalent technology. This cost burden falls on a small ratepayer base, often translating to significant rate increases.
Compliance Timelines and Support
EPA’s 2024 PFAS rule provides extended compliance timelines for public water systems, with small systems potentially eligible for additional flexibility. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law allocated substantial funding for PFAS treatment at small and disadvantaged water systems. State drinking water programs are providing technical assistance to help small systems evaluate and implement appropriate treatment technologies.
Point-of-Use as a Bridge Strategy
Some small systems have implemented point-of-use certified filter distribution programs as an interim strategy while whole-system treatment is planned and funded. Distributing certified pitchers or under-sink filters to all customers provides immediate PFAS reduction at lower cost than system-wide treatment installation, bridging the gap while longer-term infrastructure solutions are developed and financed.