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Rows of cylindrical filters with metal pipes in a water treatment system.Rows of cylindrical filters with metal pipes in a water treatment system.

Brunswick County leads PFAS water fight  

A North Carolina water utility’s leaders and CDM Smith’s drinking water experts are using low-pressure reverse osmosis (LPRO) to remove PFAS compounds from the water supply.

Client

Brunswick County Public Utilities

Location

Brunswick County, North Carolina

Practices

Emerging Contaminants

Markets

Local Government

Priorities

PFAS

Connect with an expert

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Bill Dowbiggin PE, PMP, BCEE
Water Treatment Discipline Leader

Removing PFAS with RO to 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. 

Multiple treatment options evaluated 

CDM Smith tested GAC, ion exchange, LPRO, UV-AOP and biofiltration to identify the most effective PFAS removal approach. 

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 expansion from 24- to 48-mdg incorporated LPRO, currently treating 41.2 mgd with capacity to expand to 48 mgd. 

Cutting 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 is underway and expected to be completed in late 2026. Once operational, it will be the largest LPRO system on the East Coast and the third largest in the U.S. County staff are sharing lessons with peers and regulators to expand their knowledge on emerging contaminants. “CDM Smith is proud to be the county’s trusted partner in tackling this challenge,” said Reed Barton, client service leader. 

Curious to learn more?

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

Person in a blue plaid shirt against a dark background.

Bill Dowbiggin

Senior Environmental Engineer

Bill Dowbiggin has designed more than 60 major WTPs and earned numerous industry awards for his distinguished service to the water supply field.

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