Whole Home Filter Installation to Reduce PFAS

About the Program

Category: Risk and Emergency Management (Best in Category)

Year: 2023

After the Henrico County Department of Public Utilities (DPU) detected PFAS/PFOS chemicals in private wells in the Eastern part of the County, a solution was necessary to ensure the quality of drinking water consumed by residents was safe to those with private wells. As a result, the DPU created County’s Whole Home Filter Program, implemented to provide a no-cost whole home water filter system to residents whose well water tested positive for PFAS/PFOS and desired filters. After sampling over 250 private wells in the White Oak Swamp watershed, a few samples tested positive for PFAS. DPU provided complete sample results to the homeowners with options if the results exceeded the minimum contamination limit for PFAS. Staff reviewed different systems and coordinated with several vendors to better understand their products, including PFAS reduction, ease of use, maintenance, long-term maintenance cost, installation time, and minimum impact on the residents. These were all considered during vendor selection. Public Utilities selected two vendors to install filter systems for PFAS reduction/elimination (below detection limit) from water. Prior to installation, the homeowners had an opportunity to meet the vendors, select an installation location and have a question-and-answer session. This program met the needs of these residents and established a procedure moving forward.