Skip to Main Content
logo
Workers in safety vests and helmets stand in front of large industrial tanks under a clear sky.Workers in safety vests and helmets stand in front of large PFAS vessels under a clear sky.

Anaheim builds largest multiple-well PFAS removal program in U.S.

We're helping Anaheim Public Utilities lead the nation in PFAS removal, restoring safe drinking water for residents through an innovative multi-phase treatment program. 

Client

Anaheim Public Utilities

Location

Anaheim, California

Priorities

Connect with an expert

Eberts_Ralph_2024.jpg
Ralph Eberts PE, PMP
PFAS Leader

Designing a citywide groundwater treatment program to safeguard public health  

PFAS contamination threatened Anaheim’s drinking water, putting millions at risk. The city and CDM Smith acted quickly to design and implement the largest interconnected multiple-well PFAS treatment program in the U.S. This multi-phase effort ensures regulatory compliance, restores groundwater reliability and delivers safe drinking water efficiently and cost-effectively. 

Targeted contaminant removal

Across Phases A and B, nine new groundwater treatment sites now use ion exchange at 14 wells to reduce PFAS to non-detect levels, providing safe drinking water for Anaheim customers.

Optimized operational flexibility  

A robust facility design allows for  future adjustments while maintaining system reliability. 

Accelerated construction schedule  

A design-build approach enabled rapid deployment despite supply chain challenges and an ambitious timeline. 

Engaging stakeholders for a safe water  future 

Collaboration with city agencies and the county's water district safeguarded groundwater and delivered long-term access. 

Anaheim has begun reaping the benefits of the nation’s largest interconnected multi-facility PFAS treatment program. The program treats 73.2 mgd of drinking water through facilities at nine locations, providing safe drinking water to customers. It sets a benchmark for scale, speed, and innovation in PFAS mitigation. “We need to give credit to these cities and agencies for going through this tremendous effort to bring safe, clean water to their communities,” says Roshan Aflaki, CDM Smith vice president and PFAS expert.   

Curious to learn more?

Connect with an expert to find out how we delivered this project.

Eberts_Ralph_2024.jpg

Ralph Eberts

PFAS Leader

Ralph delivers complex water and wastewater projects, combining planning, engineering and construction expertise to meet client needs with tailored solutions.

See more of our work in PFAS

Fountain in a park with a street in the background, surrounded by trees and benches.
East Orange, California

California water district acts to remove PFAS  

Interior of a water treatment plant with large beige tanks, blue pipes, and chemical containers.
Ayer, Massachusetts

Ayer combats PFAS with dual treatment systems 

scientist wearing lab coat and gloves pointing at a bench-scale test in the lab
Westfield, Massachusetts

Westfield leads PFAS removal initiative 

Glowing digital envelopes on a dark background, symbolizing email communication.

Sign up for PFAS updates

Subscribe to our Breaking Down PFAS newsletter to get your fill of breaking news and dispatches from the front lines of active treatment and R&D projects.