The Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority (BCWSA) announced on Monday that it is the first in the nation to pilot a new system aimed at reducing “forever chemicals,” known as PFAS, in drinking water.
The pilot of the Advanced Molecular Oxidation (AMO) system that has been developed by Texas-based TruClear Water Solutions Inc. has been conducted at water supply locations in Solebury Township and New Hope Borough.
The two sites were where PFAS levels were detected slightly above the safety thresholds set by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
The AMO system, which uses electricity to generate chemical reactions that effectively destroy PFAS compounds, is set apart by its ability to operate without producing secondary waste requiring disposal, according to the authority.
According to an authority spokesperson, the cost is around $700,000 per year to utilize the new technology and treat the water systems for New Hope Borough and Solebury Township.
The system has not yet been adopted by any other water utility worldwide for PFAS mitigation, but it could be expanded, according to the authority.
John Cordisco, chairman of the BCWSA board, said the authority was looking forward to working with the innovative technology.
“We are striving to make ‘forever chemicals’ no longer forever,” said Cordisco. “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.”
Cordisco said the authority has been exploring ways to tackle PFAS in drinking water for several years.
TruClear’s system has shown promising results.
The authority said it has achieved more than a 90 percent reduction in PFAS levels, with some tests nearing complete elimination of these contaminants.
These results are now under review by the DEP as BCWSA seeks approval to permanently implement the technology.
John Ayers, president and CEO of TruClear Solutions, highlighted the system’s broader applications and its benefits.
“Our mission is to treat water without chemicals or heat, producing minimal waste back into the environment,” said Ayers. “We deliver a ‘green solution’ and purer end-product while reducing treatment and transportation costs.”
The EPA has set advisory levels for PFAS in drinking water, but Pennsylvania regulations are notably stricter, and further reductions in permitted levels are anticipated.
As BCWSA awaits DEP’s decision on the permanent use of the AMO system, Cordisco pointed to the bigger picture.
“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 issue and leading the way for our industry.”
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