Activated Carbon Solutions for Municipal Water Treatment

Municipal water utilities across the country are under growing pressure to address contamination from PFAS, also known as "forever chemicals." With public health at risk and stricter regulations on the horizon, many municipalities are turning to proven activated carbon solutions. Among the most trusted methods is granular activated carbon (GAC), which delivers reliable PFAS removal at a reasonable cost.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are man-made chemicals found in products like firefighting foam, stain-resistant fabrics, and food packaging. These compounds do not easily break down in the environment or the human body, and exposure has been linked to cancer, liver damage, and immune system dysfunction.

Federal and state agencies are rapidly moving to establish limits on PFAS in drinking water. Municipal water providers must act now to stay compliant and protect their communities.

Granular activated carbon is made from coal, coconut shells, or wood, and is processed to create a highly porous structure. This large surface area allows GAC to trap contaminants by adsorption, effectively capturing PFAS molecules.

Key Benefits of GAC for Municipal Water Treatment

• Proven performance: GAC has been used in water plants for decades
• Lower operating costs: Less expensive than advanced chemical or membrane treatments
• Sustainability: Spent carbon can often be reactivated or reused
• Custom system design: GAC units can be built to meet different plan sizes and flow rates

Across the United States, municipal utilities have already adopted activated carbon solutions to comply with PFAS regulations. These systems are used in a variety of ways, including:

• Full-scale filter beds in water treatment plants
• GAC columns paired with other methods like reverse osmosis or ion exchange
• Mobile or emergency treatment units for immediate PFAS response

Companies such as Calgon Carbon provide specialized GAC products designed for municipal use. Their carbon media is engineered for high PFAS removal efficiency, long life, and consistent flow. Working with experienced suppliers helps municipalities achieve compliance with minimal disruption or downtime.

With the EPA’s national drinking water standards for PFAS taking shape, municipal systems need to be proactive. Activated carbon solutions, especially those using GAC, provide a reliable and scalable path toward compliance and community safety.

Activated carbon solutions using granular activated carbon offer municipal water systems a practical and effective way to remove PFAS. These systems are backed by decades of proven performance, are adaptable to different scales, and are supported by trusted suppliers like Calgon Carbon. Utilities that take action now can stay ahead of regulations and continue delivering safe, clean water to the communities they serve.