In 2017, PFAS contamination was discovered in the private wells of many residents in Plainfield and Algoma Townships, prompting a collaborative response to provide safe municipal water. Wolverine Worldwide tested wells and supplied bottled water and filtration systems to affected households, while local leaders and engineers devised a solution to address the contamination.
A pilot study was initiated to explore the effectiveness of modifying existing rapid sand filters at the water treatment plant with granular activated carbon (GAC). Funded by a $750,000 grant from the State of Michigan, the study tested different filter configurations to optimize PFAS removal. The initial results were promising, with the modified filters successfully meeting water treatment standards and eliminating PFAS.
The project involved replacing the traditional filter media with GAC, modifying filter bottoms to accommodate a deeper bed of GAC, and raising the piping. Completed in Fall 2018, the pilot phase upgraded five filter beds to handle up to 9 million gallons per day (mgd). Further upgrades increased the capacity to 12 mgd, meeting peak summer demands. Additional filters were modified in subsequent years, achieving a total capacity of 16 mgd.
The successful pilot study provided a model for addressing PFAS contamination and set a precedent for future municipal water treatment projects.