Aqua North Carolina announced that it has secured $5.8 million grant funding through the North Carolina State Water Infrastructure Authority to construct PFAS mitigation projects at eight sites in Cumberland County. 

These new treatment facilities will remove PFAS from drinking water for about 37,000 customers in Aqua’s service area. The projects include the construction of ion exchange filters at eight wells in the following water systems: Brookwood (4), Cliffdale West (3) and Braxton Hills (1).

“We’ve been working for years to address PFAS by testing all of our sites, implementing a master plan, and developing a modular solution to effectively and efficiently remove PFAS from drinking water in the communities we serve,” said Aqua North Carolina President Shannon Becker in a press release. “Seeking out alternative funding for these projects underscores our commitment to mitigate the cost impact on customers as we address PFAS.”  

Aqua’s team has developed a modular proprietary and improved anion exchange treatment system, which reduces both initial capital costs and improves the ability to maintain the PFAS treatment system. This treatment system was specifically developed in preparation for the new federal standard and is planned to be installed at each of the sites awarded funding with this grant.  

Design and permitting for these treatment projects will start this year.