Center Street Water Treatment Plant Upgrade

The Pennsylvania American Water Company (PAWC) Frackville District, which serves approximately 2,500 customers with treated water drawn from groundwater wells, detected per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination at its Center Street Water Treatment Plant. Known as “forever chemicals,” PFAS are highly resistant to degradation and were detected in low concentrations in some of the district’s wells. PFAS contamination can stem from sources such as firefighting foams, industrial discharges, and other consumer products, posing potential health risks even at extremely low levels, measured in parts per trillion (ppt). 

While PFAS levels remained below the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) health advisory thresholds, PAWC proactively sought a solution to mitigate PFAS contamination. By addressing this issue ahead of the EPA’s proposed regulatory changes, PAWC demonstrated its commitment to compliance, environmental protection, and safeguarding water supplies. This project would not only provide PFAS-free water but also address secondary water quality issues such as iron and manganese. 

Our team partnered with PAWC to develop a holistic, future-focused solution, prioritizing cost-effective and sustainable water treatment technologies. At the core of the upgrade was the installation of a granular activated carbon (GAC) treatment system specifically designed for removing PFAS from water to non-detectable levels. The GAC system’s advanced filtration technology is highly effective for addressing PFAS contamination down to ppt, meeting current standards, and anticipating tighter PFAS regulations that were, at the time, on the horizon.

Understanding the broader needs of Frackville’s community, we also integrated Greensand Plus™ pressure filters to address secondary contaminants like iron and manganese, enhancing the plant’s comprehensive approach to water quality. In addition, we upgraded the plant’s chlorination system with a reliable, efficient 13% sodium hypochlorite storage and feed setup to improve disinfection while enhancing safety.

To enhance operational efficiency and resilience, our solution included a new transfer pump sump with vertical turbine pumps, supporting consistent treatment performance under variable demands. Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) and electrical improvements further empowered plant operators with better monitoring, control, and data collection capabilities, supporting PAWC’s goals for enhanced water quality and regulatory compliance.