Tampa Republic

The Tampa Water Department is taking proactive measures to address concerns over per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly referred to as "Forever Chemicals." As the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) prepares to release its drinking water regulations on PFAS, Tampa is exploring a pioneering approach that will put it well ahead of the curve.

The department is working to adopt a state-of-the-art technology called Suspended Ion Exchange, or "SIX," at the David L. Tippin Water Treatment Facility. Once complete, this facility will become the first of its kind in America and the largest in the world.

On December 11, 2023, city leadership and the media were invited to a special presentation at the David L. Tippin Water Treatment Facility to learn more about this groundbreaking technology. Tampa Water Department leadership, along with its partners, discussed how SIX will push the department to the forefront of the effort to address PFAS concerns.

PFAS are man-made chemicals that break down slowly over time and are widely used in various industries. The long-term health effects of PFAS exposure are still being researched, but scientific studies suggest a potential link to negative health effects in humans. The EPA is expected to release its regulations on six PFAS chemicals by the start of 2024, with proposed limits set at 4 parts per trillion.

The David L. Tippin Water Treatment Facility has been monitoring PFAS levels in its finished water as part of the EPA's Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule requirements. Testing conducted over the past year revealed the presence of PFAS variants, with levels of two chemicals, PFOA and PFOS, slightly exceeding the proposed limits in some samples. Currently, more than 33% of Florida's water treatment facilities exceed these proposed limits.

While many utilities are still determining how to address the upcoming regulations, the Tampa Water Department has already developed a framework, with SIX being an essential component of the solution. This technology has shown promising results during a pilot program conducted in 2020, including reducing the amount of chemicals needed to treat drinking water and improving its quality. Additionally, SIX enhances operational safety at the David L. Tippin Water Treatment Plant.

"The City of Tampa and the Tampa Water Department are committed to providing our residents with clean, safe drinking water," said Mayor Jane Castor. "This technology is a critical investment to improve the quality of our water for generations to come."

The success of the pilot program has led to the expansion of SIX testing at the Howard F. Curren Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant. The technology has generated interest from other utilities in Florida and beyond, with seven utility tours scheduled for November and December.

The Tampa Water Department's proactive approach to addressing PFAS concerns underscores its commitment to providing clean and safe drinking water for its residents. By adopting the SIX technology, Tampa is positioning itself as a leader in water quality and setting an example for other utilities to follow.

To learn more, click on this link: https://www.tampa.gov/news/2023-12/tampa-water-department-addresses-forever-chemical-concerns-new-state-art-technology