Tustin Dedicates New PFAS Treatment Plant for Safe Water Supply

News Summary

Tustin has inaugurated a state-of-the-art PFAS treatment plant aimed at securing the safety of its water supply. The facility integrates advanced technology to remediate PFAS contamination in local groundwater, ensuring compliance with state and federal drinking standards. The dedication ceremony attracted local and federal officials, showcasing a significant collaboration in tackling environmental health risks. The project is supported by multiple funding sources, including a grant under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, highlighting the community’s commitment to water quality management.

Tustin has officially dedicated a new PFAS treatment plant in a significant step toward ensuring the safety and reliability of its water supply for residents and businesses. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to address concerns surrounding PFAS, a group of manufactured chemicals increasingly found in water sources and known to pose health risks.

The dedication ceremony, which took place on [insert date], was attended by local, state, and federal officials, highlighting the collaborative effort required to tackle this critical issue. The PFAS treatment system has been integrated into the existing Main Street Water Treatment Plant and will utilize advanced ion exchange technology capable of processing up to 6,400 gallons of groundwater per minute.

The newly constructed centralized facility will draw water from four offsite wells located approximately 2.5 miles away, connected through a system of conveyance pipelines. Mayor Austin Lumbard emphasized that the plant represents a vital investment in the future of Tustin’s water resources, ensuring that all water meets state and federal drinking water standards.

The Orange County Water District (OCWD) has been proactive in addressing PFAS contamination in the groundwater since 2019. They have worked collaboratively with 19 cities and retail water districts across the region to remove these harmful chemicals from the water supply. The OCWD manages the local groundwater basin, which serves 2.5 million people in north and central Orange County, providing up to 85% of the area’s water.

Funding for this vital PFAS treatment facility was sourced from multiple avenues. The OCWD is covering the design and construction costs, along with a portion of the operational and maintenance expenses associated with the treatment facility. Additionally, the project benefited from a $10 million grant from the State Water Resources Control Board, made possible through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, as well as a $5 million Community Grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

OCWD President Denis R. Bilodeau has highlighted the agency’s commitment to improving water quality and addressing PFAS contamination as a top priority. The initiative taken by OCWD underscores the significance of ensuring that the water supply remains safe for all residents and businesses in the area.

Additionally, the OCWD maintains a dedicated platform on their website and a PFAS education center to provide ongoing information and resources for community members regarding the PFAS treatment program.

The dedication of the PFAS treatment plant in Tustin marks a major advancement in local water quality management. The collaboration of various regulatory bodies and local authorities showcases the community’s commitment to health and safety as it addresses the emerging challenges posed by environmental contaminants.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Additional Resources

• Fullerton Observer: Tustin Celebrates New PFAS Treatment Plant
• Wikipedia: PFAS
• Maven’s Notebook: Daily Digest Weekend Edition
• Google Search: water supply safety
• OC Register: New EPA Rules on Forever Chemicals
• Google Scholar: PFAS water treatment
• MLive: Veterans Exposed to PFAS
• Encyclopedia Britannica: environmental contaminants