Projects

Planned Water Treatment Upgrade

We understand the public’s desire for swift action to remove PFAS.  It is important to know that a water treatment upgrade is a major infrastructure investment and is not an off-the shelf solution.  The upgrade must be designed specifically for each of our drinking water plants. 

Granular Activated Carbon (GAC)

The planned water treatment upgrade required studies to determine the most effective method for PWC.  We conducted this study between October 2021-October 2022 and determined the Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) media/method to be the most effective in removing PFAS.

Carbon Filter Study Video

As this GAC upgrade is being designed and built, we have also been actively working to upgrade our current Powder Activated Carbon (PAC) treatment capabilities to allow a higher dosage than is currently possible.  While PAC is not as efficient or economical as GAC, it can effectively remove modest amounts of PFAS and it will assist us in addressing PFAS until GAC can be installed.

PAC construction begins this spring and is expected to be completed by April 2026.  Our GAC upgrade is expected to be operational by February 2028. 

Funding the Upgrade

Upgrading our plants to remove industrial pollutants will be a significant cost to our customers, with a projected cost of around $80 million.

PWC staff has sought out funding to reduce the financial burden on our customers.  We have received more than $30.5 million in funding for our GAC upgrades.  This includes $11.5 million in grants from federal infrastructure and state drinking water revolving funds.  $19 million is a low interest loan from state drinking water revolving funds.

In addition, we continue to seek other funding. We are currently working with the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality representatives to request an additional $18 million that includes a potential $9.7 million toward our PAC facility upgrades.  We will also actively continue pursuing federal and state funds for the remaining $49.5 million needed for the GAC upgrade. PWC anticipates an annual cost of $10-12 million per year to operate and maintain the GAC.