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Liberty New York Water is taking extra steps to ensure safe water is provided to customers with its first (PFOA/PFOS) treatment facility. PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and PFOS (perfluorooctanesulfonic acid) are released into the environment from commercial and industrial sources, like non-stick cookware, food packaging, cleaning agents, and many other commonly used products. The new treatment facility uses granular activated carbon (GAC) to absorb the contaminants and prevent them from entering the water supply.

“We are excited to announce that our first PFOA and PFOS treatment facility is fully operational,” said John Kilpatrick, Director, Engineering. “Investing in projects that ensure Liberty can provide the highest quality water to our customers is always a top priority.”

New York State adopted drinking water standards for public water systems that set maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) of 10 parts per trillion (10 ppt) each for PFOA and PFOS. GAC treatment filters are lined with 20,000 pounds each, for a total of 80,000 pounds of activated carbon. Contaminants are absorbed into the carbon, preventing the materials from passing into the distribution system. In addition to routine sampling and testing, the carbon media filters are changed at appropriate intervals ensuring no contaminants break through to the water supply.

The Glen Head water plant currently houses one well that is 325 feet deep with a capacity of 1,400 gallons of water per minute. Like most of Long Island’s water supply, the well pulls water from the Magothy aquifer.

The local Glen Head community played an integral role in determining the facility’s architectural structure to help maintain a residential feel.

“We already took pride in our ability to provide safe drinking water to all of our customers,” Kilpatrick said. “This extra step brings a further level of safety and allows us to meet and exceed New York drinking water standards. Liberty is grateful for our partnership with the community and will continue to foster a cooperative relationship as we maintain and operate the plant.”

To learn more about PFOA/PFOS, please visit https://new-york-water.libertyutilities.com/all/residential/safety/emerging-compounds-new-york-water.html#navbar-safety-water-quality-res.

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