The largest private operator of water services in the United States, Veolia, has reported that over 30 of its sites are now registering undetectable levels of regulated PFAS chemicals.
The France-based company has installed new treatment at 17 drinking water wells in New York, with ongoing construction projects in four states.
PFAS contamination in drinking water is a critical challenge due to its widespread presence and persistent nature. The U.S. has been one of the forerunners in the fight against this problem, with regulations in place in several states and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s first mandatory rules requiring treatment of certain PFAS in drinking water systems launched last Wednesday.
Veolia has unveiled that it employs scalable treatment methods utilizing proven systems like activated carbon and nanofiltration. The firm is also exploring advanced treatment materials and pioneering new technologies to combat PFAS contamination effectively.
Veolia has conducted nearly 10,000 water sample analyses in the past five years to identify optimal treatment options tailored to various water chemistries, site constraints, and equipment costs.
With regulatory frameworks increasingly adopting proactive approaches to PFAS, Veolia aims to utilize its operational expertise gained in the U.S. and its global research capabilities to combat PFAS pollution on a broader scale.
“With our worldwide expertise in cutting-edge water treatment technologies, the United States represents a land of solutions from which all our geographies could benefit,” said Estelle Brachlianoff, Veolia CEO.
In New York, Veolia collaborated closely with local authorities since 2019 to implement a comprehensive PFAS management plan for drinking water wells, anticipating state and EPA standards. The company has also installed treatment systems in neighboring New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
