PFAS / Forever-Chemicals Removal System

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Why Granular Carbon Beds and Ion-Exchange Resins Differ for PFAS Treatment

Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) Beds

GAC beds reduce PFAS by adsorbing the compounds onto carbon surfaces. They target many perfluoroalkyl substances but vary in efficiency depending on molecular size and water chemistry.

Ion-Exchange Resins

Ion-exchange resins remove PFAS by exchanging ions with charged fluorinated compounds. They often capture shorter-chain PFAS better than GAC but may require regeneration more frequently.

Key Difference

The two technologies, while both documented for PFAS removal, operate through different mechanisms affecting treatment outcomes depending on the specific PFAS present.

How UCMR5 Monitoring Differs from Earlier UCMR3 for PFAS

Expanded Compound List

UCMR5 tests a broader range of PFAS compounds than UCMR3, including newer and less-studied fluorinated substances.

Lower Detection Levels

UCMR5 employs lower reporting levels, improving sensitivity to trace PFAS in groundwater sources like those supplying Livingston Parish.

Focus on Groundwater Systems

The Ward II Water District's groundwater source was monitored under UCMR5 between May and November 2023, capturing a contemporary snapshot of PFAS occurrence.

How the Documented Treatment Technology Neutralizes PFAS

C-Series PFAS Forever Chemicals Filter

This system combines a granular carbon bed with ion-exchange resins designed to target a broad spectrum of PFAS compounds. It reduces the presence of these fluorinated 'forever chemicals' by capturing and holding them within the filter medium.

Ready to Configure

The equipment ships ready to configure, allowing integration into household water lines to address PFAS based on independent water testing results.

What to Note Before Seeking Treatment Advice

Test Your Home Water for PFAS

Because EPA monitoring reflects system-wide data, testing your well or tap water specifically is essential to understand your household's PFAS levels.

Identify Specific PFAS Compounds

Knowing which PFAS compounds appear in your water informs the choice between granular carbon, ion exchange, or combined treatment options.

Water Usage and Flow Rate

Household water demand impacts equipment sizing and lifespan, helping tailor treatment to your needs.

Additional Concerns for Commercial and Industrial Operators

Higher Volume and Flow

Businesses often require treatment systems that handle larger water volumes and faster flow rates.

Regulatory Requirements

Commercial entities may face stricter reporting and compliance obligations for PFAS, influencing treatment selection.

Process Water vs. Drinking Water

Some industries must treat water used in production processes, not just drinking water, broadening treatment scope.

Potential Sources of PFAS in Livingston Parish

Firefighting Foam Usage

While commonly linked to PFAS, available data for Ward II Water District does not indicate measurable levels from this source.

Textile Finishing Facilities

No data specifically links PFAS detections in this area to textile processing emissions.

Landfill Impact

Although landfills can be PFAS sources, the EPA results show no detectable PFAS above reporting levels in this water system.

Next Steps: Testing Your Water for PFAS

The crucial step is to order a comprehensive test for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances covering all relevant compounds. A result below federal maximum contaminant levels—set at 4 nanograms per liter (parts per trillion) for PFOA and PFOS—confirms a low PFAS presence, guiding equipment choice effectively.

Where this information comes from

Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2023-11-15. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.

On record: EPA UCMR5 monitoring (2023-2025) for WARD II WATER DISTRICT (LA1063039), LA: 340 results across 10 listed contaminants, 0 detections above the reporting level; nothing detected above the method reporting level