A True PFAS Solution Is About More Than Removal

When per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are discovered in water, the first thought among treatment managers is how best to remove it. This is true in both temporary and permanent water treatment projects. Unfortunately, there is a misconception that once the PFAS has been removed from water the problem has been solved. In reality, the PFAS still exists ― either in the filter media or brine/reject water, depending on the technology used — and operators are still liable for it. As regulations evolve, that liability can follow a treatment operation for years after disposal. As such, it is critical that engineers and project managers take a complete cradle-to-grave approach when considering which technologies to implement as well as which vendors to partner with for their PFAS solution.