Moody's Talks - Muniland

‘Forever chemicals’ are a financial hazard for water utilities, cities and manufacturers

Episode Summary

With an EPA proposal, US municipal utilities and cities are facing mounting costs to remove toxic PFAS, also known as forever chemicals, from drinking water. Yet the utilities’ ability to raise customer rates to recoup costs will limit credit risks. Meanwhile, companies that make the chemicals or products with them are dealing with a barrage of lawsuits similar to what hit Big Tobacco and opioid makers.

Episode Notes

With an EPA proposal, US municipal utilities and cities are facing mounting costs to remove toxic PFAS, also known as forever chemicals, from drinking water. Yet the utilities’ ability to raise customer rates to recoup costs will limit credit risks. Meanwhile, companies that make the chemicals or products with them are dealing with a barrage of lawsuits similar to what hit Big Tobacco and opioid makers. 

Guests: Helen Cregger, Vice President – Senior Credit Officer, Moody’s Investors Service; Ryan Patton, Assistant Vice President – Analyst, Moody’s Investors Service; John Rogers, Senior Vice President, Moody’s Investors Service

Host: Nick Samuels, Senior Vice President, Moody’s Investors Service

Related content on Moodys.com (may only be available to subscribers):

• ESG – Global: ‘Forever chemicals’ present significant credit risk for certain companies
• Water and Wastewater Utilities – US:  EPA proposal to reduce ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water will raise costs