ROTEC to supply PFAS removal technology for North Carolina drinking water treatment plant

The project follows pilot testing of reverse osmosis treatment at the drinking water facility and forms part of PTRWA’s efforts to strengthen its treatment capabilities for contaminants of emerging concern. According to the companies, the FR-RO system will be installed after the plant’s existing treatment processes and will target the removal of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and 1,4-dioxane from drinking water.

The award is linked to an ongoing expansion programme at the JFK WTP. The initiative aims to increase the plant’s finished water production capacity from 14.7 million gallons per day (MGD) to 26.7 MGD, while long-term plans envision an eventual capacity of 48 MGD.

ROTEC stated that its Flow Reversal Reverse Osmosis technology can operate at both conventional and high recovery rates. The company noted that recovery rates above 96% can significantly reduce the volume of concentrate generated during treatment, producing a smaller brine stream for subsequent handling and disposal.

Commenting on the project, Bruce Alderman, CEO of ROTEC USA, said: “PTRWA is taking a forward-looking approach to advanced water treatment, and we are extremely proud to support this important project. Following a successful pilot, this award demonstrates the value of Flow Reversal Reverse Osmosis for utilities facing emerging contaminants such as PFAS and 1,4-dioxane. Our system will give PTRWA the flexibility to operate across a wide range of production rates, while simultaneously reducing cleaning frequency and minimizing the volume of brine that must be managed downstream.”

Gregory Flory, Executive Director of PTRWA, added: “PTRWA is committed to providing high-quality drinking water while planning responsibly for the region's long-term needs. We look forward to the continued collaboration with ROTEC, HDR, and Crowder as PTRWA advances a treatment solution that supports our long-term planning and water quality goals.”