As of Tuesday, September 8, the new granular activated carbon (GAC) treatment facility at Ambler’s water treatment plant is in service. The new treatment system will provide enhanced PFAS removal in drinking water for Wells 2, 6 and 8 at Loch Alsh Reservoir. The Ambler Borough Water Department anticipates several more PFAS removal systems to be installed within the next five years.

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of chemicals that break down incredibly slowly and can build up in the environment and in people’s bodies over time. PFAS are commonly used in manufacturing for their durability and resistance to heat and water. The Environmental Protection Agency has linked some types of PFAS exposure to adverse health effects like weakened immune responses, reproductive issues and increased cancer risk.

Though PFAS are difficult to remove, the GAC system is expected to filter out more of the chemicals than the old filtration system. The new system is also safer, replacing chlorine gas disinfection with liquid sodium hypochlorite. This maintains water disinfectant throughout the distribution system without the need to store and handle chlorine gas, which can be toxic if inhaled.

In a Facebook post, Ambler Borough announced that residents may notice increased flushing activities by utility personnel and water discoloration as the treatment system transitions into normal operations. But according to Ambler’s Water Department, these changes are common during system upgrades and don’t pose health risks. Discoloration of this nature is usually caused by the disturbance of mineral deposits within older water mains. If residents experience water discoloration, the borough recommends running cold water from an indoor faucet for several minutes.

To learn more about the project or report water safety concerns, contact the Ambler Borough Water Department by calling 215-646-1000.

Photo – Vlada Karpovich via Canva