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Sweetwater Authority updates board on PFAS bench testing and pilot planning
Summary
Staff reported on PFAS response planning: options range from costly blending with imported water to in‑plant treatment (activated carbon, enhanced coagulation); bench‑scale samples were sent to a lab for rapid column testing to guide a pilot and a recommendation toward the 2029 compliance horizon.
Staff updated the board on PFAS pilot planning and preliminary design, describing four alternatives under study and next steps for bench and pilot testing.
Justin (staff) said one alternative would rely heavily on blending treated lake water with imported water (higher imported‑water costs and more dilution) while another would optimize the Purdue Water Treatment Plant with added powdered activated carbon and enhanced coagulation to reduce PFAS and total organic carbon with less blending. Bench sampling was completed and 55‑gallon drums of source and process waters were shipped to a laboratory for rapid column testing to inform pilot media selection. Staff noted pilot bench results will inform a specific pilot recommendation and eventual capital planning to meet regulatory deadlines (staff discussed the 2029 compliance horizon and work to identify the lowest‑cost, feasible long‑term technology). Board members asked about alternative technologies and timing; staff said bench testing and a proposed pilot will continue and a fuller oral update is expected at the April 22 meeting.
