The Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority announced that it has successfully utilized innovative treatment technology to remove PFAS, known as forever chemicals, from its drinking water. The new treatment system was recently piloted at two water supply locations that had slightly elevated PFAS levels above the PA Department of Environmental Protection’s regulation.
BCWSA partnered with TruClear Water Solutions Inc., a Texas-based company that is a leading service provider to clean water using non-chemical technology, to operate its Advanced Molecular Oxidation system. Using electricity to create chemical reactions, the patented system ensures a thorough destruction of PFAS chemicals and does not generate contaminates that need to be disposed of after treatment.
To date, no water utility in the world has installed this system and received approval for PFAS treatment. BCWSA is currently seeking approval from the PA DEP to permanently utilize the technology. Once approved, BCWSA would be the first to operate the technology to remove PFAS from drinking water.
“We are striving to make ‘forever chemicals’ no longer forever,” said John Cordisco, BCWSA board chairman. “We are committed to investing in this technology and eliminating potentially harmful chemicals from drinking water for Bucks County residents. It’s a remarkable moment for the county to be a leader in addressing an issue that impacts communities across the globe.
“We’ve been exploring innovative systems that could reduce and eliminate PFAS over the last two years. We believe TruClear provides a solution that is unmatched in our industry.”
The pilot was conducted at BCWSA’s Solebury and New Hope water systems. Independent laboratory results show that the technology was able to achieve over 90 percent reduction in PFAS chemicals, with some instances approaching 100 percent reduction. The testing results will be sent to the DEP to review and to allow the installation of a permanent system, which would be managed and operated by TruClear Solutions with a local workforce.
TruClear Solutions launched its AMO technology in 2018 within the oil and gas industry. Since then, it has utilized the system to treat water across many industries. Last year, it realized the need for the technology in drinking water treatment and started reaching out to those in the industry where it connected with BCWSA.
“Our mission is to treat water without chemicals or heat, producing minimal waste back into the environment,” said John Ayers, president and CEO for TruClear Solutions. “We deliver a ‘green solution’ and purer end-product while reducing treatment and transportation costs.
“BCWSA conducted their research and due diligence. The independent lab results provide confidence that our system is reliable and effective, ensuring compliance that surpasses federal and state regulations.”
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has established health advisory levels for PFAS in drinking water, including PFOA and PFOS. The PA DEP has established its own regulated levels that are stricter than many other states, and it is likely to lower the limits even further.
“We know municipal and privately-owned water systems across Pennsylvania will be monitoring the progress of our DEP permitting,” said Cordisco. “We’re proud to be out front of the issues and leading the way for our industry.”
Visit BCWSA.net for more information about the authority’s sewer and water operations.
