The Syndicat Mixte d’Eau Potable Rhône-Sud authority, in partnership with SUEZ, is launching a groundbreaking solution to treat PFAS at the Ternay water treatment plant, located south of France’s Chemical Valley. This innovative technology, patented by SUEZ, is being deployed for the first time in France to tackle the issue of so-called “forever chemicals.” Once operational, it will ensure clean and safe drinking water for over 170,000 residents in the Southern Lyon area.
Guy Martinet, Chair of the Syndicat Mixte d’Eau Potable Rhône-Sud authority, said: "Producing high-quality water for our member authorities is a major issue at a time when raw water sources are being affected by the presence of PFAS. Thanks to the new treatment that we and SUEZ will be introducing to our Ternay plant, we will be able to ensure the quality of the water we produce by upgrading our existing facilities."
Pierre Pauliac, Interim Co-CEO & Chief Operating Officer Water at SUEZ, added: “We are pleased to support the Syndicat Mixte d’Eau Potable Rhône-Sud authority in its efforts to treat PFAS in drinking water and to provide an effective response to this major issue. SUEZ is a leading player in end-to-end micropollutant and PFAS treatment technologies. The modular solution we will be deploying showcases SUEZ’s leading-edge expertise in treating PFAS, along with our commitment to working in collaboration with our customers to introduce solutions suited to each local context.”
This innovative technology, patented by SUEZ, is being deployed for the first time in France to tackle the issue of so-called “forever chemicals”
Concerns about water quality are widespread in France, with more than half of the population citing it as a top issue—surpassing even worries about drought-related shortages. According to recent figures, 72% of French citizens believe their water quality is deteriorating. The Rhône Valley, one of the first regions in the country to grapple with PFAS contamination, is at the forefront of the response.
Since 2022, the Syndicat Mixte d’Eau Potable Rhône-Sud has taken proactive steps to safeguard drinking water at the Ternay plant. Working closely with SUEZ, they launched a two-phase action plan: initial laboratory testing at CIRSEE—SUEZ’s international research center—followed by an on-site industrial pilot to validate the results. This effort, developed in collaboration with public health authorities and backed by the Agence de l'eau Rhône Méditerranée Corse, enabled the selection of the most effective PFAS treatment method and paved the way for lasting improvements to water quality.
Opened in 2017, the Ternay plant currently operates with six activated carbon filters. However, since 2022, tests have revealed that these filters rapidly become saturated and lose their effectiveness in removing PFAS from incoming water. To address this, the authority and SUEZ are installing the company’s patented solution, which features continuous activated carbon renewal through six downflow reactors. This technology ensures uninterrupted treatment performance and eliminates the need to halt operations for carbon replacement. It can also be seamlessly integrated into existing facilities, minimizing the financial burden on local authorities.
SUEZ has been actively working on PFAS issues since 2018 and has become a recognized leader in the field. The company can detect and quantify up to 65 PFAS compounds—well beyond current regulatory requirements—and offers robust treatment methods, including activated carbon and low-pressure reverse osmosis. SUEZ provides a comprehensive support framework for local governments, covering site assessments, lab testing, pilot programs, and tailored system design. It also brings extensive expertise in PFAS destruction via high-temperature incineration at specialized facilities.
