Multiple treatment options evaluated
CDM Smith tested GAC, ion exchange, LPRO, UV-AOP and biofiltration to identify the most effective PFAS removal approach.
Client
Brunswick County Public Utilities
Location
Brunswick County, North Carolina
Practices
Markets
Priorities
Expansion of Northwest Water Treatment Plant to remove PFAS and protect public health
PFAS contamination, including high concentrations of perfluoro-2-propoxypropanoic acid (known by its trade name GenX) threatened Brunswick County’s water supply. County leaders acted swiftly, integrating a low-pressure reverse osmosis (LPRO) system to ensure safe, compliant water for a rapidly growing community.
Piloted LPRO to confirm results
The team ran a 15-month pilot, testing four membrane brands, proving LPRO removed PFAS and GenX to non-detectable levels.
Integrated LPRO with plant expansion
Northwest WTP was expanded from 24 to 48 MGD and incorporated LPRO, treating 41.2 mgd with capacity to expand to 48 mgd.
Cut long-term operating costs
Analysis showed LPRO will cost 20% less to operate over 25 years than alternative technologies while maintaining compliance.
Construction of the LPRO system was completed recently as part of the Northwest Water Treatment Plant expansion. Once operational, it became the largest LPRO system on the East Coast and the third largest in the United States. County staff shared lessons learned with peers and regulators, helping advance industry understanding of emerging contaminants and PFAS treatment. “CDM Smith was proud to be the county’s trusted partner in tackling this challenge,” said Reed Barton, client service leader.
Client
Brunswick County Public Utilities
Location
Brunswick County, North Carolina