Regulatory Momentum, Filtration Technology, And Water Quality
The global conversation around stormwater management is gaining urgency due to the growing threat of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination. Once regarded as indestructible “forever chemicals,” PFAS are now recognized as harmful to both human and environmental health. Regulatory authorities in the United States and around the world are establishing stricter limits for PFAS in water systems, prompting the industry to take decisive action.
As a result, innovation is accelerating. Technologies such as ion exchange resins, granular activated carbon, and advanced adsorbents are rapidly scaling to remove PFAS from stormwater before it reaches natural water bodies or groundwater aquifers. Industry analysts project that the stormwater sector will grow into a multi-billion-dollar market by 2050, employing hundreds of thousands of professionals in planning, remediation, engineering, and monitoring. From commercial runoff to military sites and airports, the range of applications is expanding. Municipalities, industrial operators, and infrastructure developers are being called to incorporate PFAS capture into their stormwater management strategies.
North American and global companies are investing in smart stormwater infrastructure, from real-time monitoring systems to modular treatment units that integrate easily into existing conveyance networks. Key technologies featured at Stormwater USA 2026 will include decentralized treatment solutions designed to adapt to urban expansion and climate variability. The industry is also advancing decentralized, point-of-source PFAS interception systems capable of treating large catchment areas. These solutions can scale to serve everything from localized retention basins to regional stormwater systems, enhancing resilience against extreme weather and contamination. As the demand grows, supply chains are evolving rapidly, with innovations being implemented across sectors including public utilities, transportation infrastructure, private real estate, and industrial facilities.
PFAS Removal Technologies Demand Robust Implementation Strategies
The effectiveness of PFAS removal technologies depends on several key factors, including influent concentration, flow rate variability, and seasonal loading. As regulatory thresholds tighten, treatment systems must be both flexible and resilient, equipped with built-in analytics and adaptive management capabilities. The industry is also advancing solutions that integrate pollutant capture with real-time data reporting and compliance automation, allowing utility operators to demonstrate both regulatory compliance and environmental responsibility.
Stormwater treatment presents unique logistical challenges. Unlike centralized water treatment plants, stormwater flows are intermittent and dispersed, making technology selection and placement critical to overall system performance. In response, planners are increasingly exploring multi-benefit systems that manage volume, flow rate, and water quality simultaneously.
At Stormwater USA 2026, companies will showcase solutions developed to meet the growing demand for effective and scalable PFAS capture in stormwater, balancing environmental safety with practical implementation. The event will foster collaboration among engineers, regulators, utility leaders, and innovators who are collectively working to advance the science and technology of stormwater management.
