Laws & Regulations
Understanding the legal landscape for atmospheric water generators, filtration systems, and water quality standards in the United States.
AWG Systems
Largely unregulated at federal level. Water quality must meet EPA standards.
Filtration Systems
NSF certification voluntary but recommended. Local permits may apply.
PFAS Standards
Federal limits set at 4 ppt for PFOA/PFOS. States adding stricter bans.
Federal Regulations
EPA Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)
All water systems producing drinking water—including AWGs and filtration systems—must comply with EPA water quality standards. The SDWA sets enforceable Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for over 90 contaminants.
ASSE 1090-2020 — AWG Performance Standard
The American National Standard for Atmospheric Water Generators establishes performance requirements for drinking water quality, energy efficiency per liter, and safety. Designated by ANSI as the national benchmark for AWG systems.
EPA PFAS National Drinking Water Standard
EPA has set Maximum Contaminant Levels for PFOA and PFOS at 4 parts per trillion (ppt). Public water systems must comply by 2031. This is the first-ever federal limit on 'forever chemicals' in drinking water.
NSF/ANSI Certification Standards
NSF/ANSI 42 (aesthetic effects), 53 (health effects), 58 (reverse osmosis), and 401 (emerging contaminants) are voluntary but widely recognized standards for water treatment devices sold in the US.
FDA Bottled Water Regulations (21 CFR 165)
If AWG-produced water is bottled and sold, it falls under FDA jurisdiction as a food product. Standards parallel EPA's drinking water limits but are enforced by the FDA.
TSCA PFAS Reporting Requirements
Manufacturers must report PFAS information to the EPA by October 2026. Covers all PFAS manufactured or imported since 2011, helping build a comprehensive picture of PFAS exposure sources.
AWG Regulations at a Glance
Residential atmospheric water generators are largely unregulated at the federal level beyond water quality standards. They function as standalone appliances that extract moisture from air, which is not subject to traditional water rights.
- No federal permits required for residential AWG purchase or installation
- Water produced must meet EPA drinking water standards (manufacturer responsibility)
- Local electrical/building permits may be required (varies by jurisdiction)
- No water rights restrictions on atmospheric water extraction for personal use
- ASSE 1090-2020 compliance recommended but not federally mandated
- AWGs are not subject to 'Waters of the United States' (WOTUS) regulations
Filtration System Regulations
Water filtration systems for residential use are primarily governed by voluntary certification standards like NSF/ANSI, with local building codes determining permit requirements.
- Point-of-use filters (under-sink, countertop) typically don't require permits
- Whole-house systems may require plumbing permits depending on jurisdiction
- NSF certification is voluntary but strongly recommended for consumer protection
- RO systems must comply with local wastewater discharge regulations
- Landlords may have obligations to provide filtered water in some jurisdictions
- Commercial installations require additional health department approvals
State-Level PFAS Regulations (2026)
18 states now have PFAS product restrictions, with approximately 200 PFAS-related bills introduced annually. Here are key states leading the charge:
California
Proposition 65 requires labeling for products containing chemicals known to cause cancer or reproductive harm. Additional PFAS notification levels set below federal limits. Strict building permit requirements for water treatment installations.
Maine
As of January 2026, products containing intentionally added PFAS cannot be sold. One of the most aggressive state-level PFAS bans in the nation.
Colorado
Since January 2026, sale and distribution of products with intentionally added PFAS is prohibited in specific categories. Installation restrictions apply to certain materials.
Minnesota
Amara's Law bans intentionally added PFAS in certain products sold or distributed in the state. Reporting deadline set for July 2026.
Vermont
Starting January 2026, prohibits manufacturing consumer products including cookware, clothing, and food packaging with PFAS.
Connecticut
Beginning July 2026, prohibits distribution and sale of specific products with intentionally added PFAS. Among the growing list of states taking action ahead of federal guidelines.
Federal Funding & Resources
$1 Billion PFAS Funding Available
Through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, $1 billion is available for PFAS testing and treatment at public water systems and private wells. Contact your state environmental agency for application details.
EPA AWG Research Program
The EPA maintains an active research program on atmospheric water generation technology, studying water quality, energy efficiency, and best practices for residential deployment.
Key Resources
- EPA PFAS Standards: epa.gov/sdwa/pfas
- ASSE 1090-2020: Available through ASSE/ANSI
- NSF Certification Search: nsf.org/consumer-resources
- State Regulations: Contact your state environmental agency
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