Entering An Era Of Advanced Water Treatment

Advanced water treatment is entering a new era. Utilities are moving beyond conventional treatment to tackle PFAS, expand water reuse, and secure new water supplies. That often means using technologies like membranes, ozone, activated carbon, and advanced filtration.

Jaime Safulko of PCL Construction explains what's driving this wave of investment and why these projects are more complex than the treatment plants of the past.

She shares lessons from the El Paso Pure Water Project, which is expected to become the nation's first direct potable reuse facility. She also highlights recycled water projects in California and new PFAS treatment facilities in Colorado that are putting advanced technologies into practice.

The conversation explores why collaboration has become just as important as the treatment technology itself. Bringing project partners together earlier helps utilities evaluate options, reduce risk, and avoid costly surprises during construction.

Looking ahead, Safulko expects water reuse to become much more common. She also sees more regional partnerships and a new generation of treatment technologies that improve efficiency while lowering energy use and operating costs.

Learn more about PCL Construction.

waterloop is a nonprofit news outlet exploring solutions for water sustainability.