New PFAS Removal Method (feat. TruClear)

New PFAS Removal Method (feat. TruClear)

The Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority (BCWSA) of Bucks County, PA. is teaming up with TruClear Water Solutions to break down PFAS using low-voltage electricity. Unlike carbon filtration, this technique doesn’t leave behind any waste that needs disposal, which is a huge plus. TruClear’s method turns these harmful chemicals into harmless compounds right in the water, so there’s no risk of creating more pollutants down the line.

This technology, called Advanced Molecular Oxidation, has been used in the oil, gas, and food industries but is now being adapted for water treatment. It’s a greener alternative to granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration, which not only requires high temperatures to produce but also creates waste that needs to be incinerated or sent to landfills. The system will cost over $700,000 a year but is still cheaper than carbon filtration. BCWSA hopes that settlement funds from lawsuits against PFAS manufacturers will help cover the costs, and customers can expect a small increase in their water bills.

PFAS Can Be Absorbed Through Skin

In really not great news, a new study from the University of Birmingham has found that PFAS chemicals can be absorbed through human skin after testing the chemicals on lab-grown skin models. Turns out, short-chain PFAS are absorbed more easily than the long-chain ones, which flips the script on what we thought about skin being a good barrier. We’ll see how it plays out, but this study might increase the demand for shower filters and other home filtration systems designed to reduce exposure to PFAS through skin contact, not just for drinking water.

Fight Against PFAS in NC

A recent article from Carolina Public Press talks all about the fight against PFAS in North Carolina's water, and gets into some of the finer details along the way. The Cape Fear Public Utility Authority (CFPUA) has invested heavily in granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration systems to tackle the problem, costing ratepayers an extra $5.40 per month. And even with a $29 million federal boost, small towns and rural areas are still in limbo, waiting for clear guidance on how to deal with these pollutants. The article also talks about how smaller communities that rely on wells are lacking state directives and are unsure how to proceed. Plus, the team mentions how disposal of PFAS-laden carbon media is also a costly issue due to limited landfill options.

What else is happening:

• Pristine Water Softeners of Arizona, who claims to offer “the largest selection of water treatment equipment in the industry”, recently dropped a post all about the top methods for improving water quality, from filtration systems to UV treatments and boiling techniques

• Pristine also wrote about why DIY water treatment isn’t a good idea

• SpringWell writes about spring water vs. purified water, offering a super in-depth breakdown (and ultimately claiming purified as the best choice)

• Florida Pure Water Solutions says these are the top 5 signs homes need a water filtration system – weird smell, dull clothes, sink stains, dry skin, and an upset tummy