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Aquarion infrastructure upgrade removes PFAS chemicals; restores water system capacity in Seacoast Region

HAMPTON, N.H. – December 21, 2021 – Aquarion Water Company today announced the completion of a water treatment system upgrade at the company’s Mill Road Treatment Plant in North Hampton, NH.  The upgrade project was undertaken to address per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) present in the water.  As a result of the system upgrade, PFAS levels, which were already in compliance with State of New Hampshire regulations, will be even lower.

PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals used in wide range of products and commercial applications.

PFAS can enter drinking water supplies in a number of ways including through industrial and commercial releases to water or air, discharges from sewage treatment plants, leaching from septic systems and landfills, land application of contaminated sludge, and the use of fire-fighting foam.

Aquarion is vigilant about testing for and monitoring PFAS levels and all water delivered to residents and businesses meets regulatory standards, however the company had to reduce water production from one North Hampton facility, Well 6, to meet required PFAS limits.  In order to restore full water capacity, Aquarion installed a PFAS removal system at Well 6.  The system, which is sited at one of the company’s existing buildings, uses Granular Activated Carbon filtration to remove PFAS.  The water, once treated, is blended with water from other wells in the area and delivered to customers.

Aquarion was able to complete the project at a significant savings to ratepayers by accessing state grant funding.  The company secured $1,713,000 in grants from the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services PFAS Remediation Loan Fund and the NH Drinking Water and Groundwater Trust Fund.

“We’re very pleased to bring this additional treatment technology to our Seacoast customers and we sincerely appreciate the support of the New Hampshire Drinking Water and Groundwater Advisory Commission and the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services in helping us minimize the cost to ratepayers,” said Carl McMorran, Operations Manager, Aquarion Water Company of New Hampshire.  “PFAS are a challenge that we, and water companies across the country are working to manage.  We will continue to work closely with public health agencies and state and local officials to ensure the delivery of safe, high quality water to all of our customers.”

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