TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa Water Department hopes state-of-the-art technology will help improve the quality of drinking water in the city.
It comes as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is preparing to release regulations on the levels of PFAS, or forever chemicals, in drinking water.
“SIX is an innovative version of ion exchange, which is a process that’s been around for 80 plus years, and it’s innovative because it actually continually regenerates the resin," said Sarah Burns, the Capital Improvement Program Director for the City of Tampa Water Department.
The city said SIX, or Suspended Ion Exchange, will help them address Tampa’s water quality needs and position the Water Department to meet the EPA’s future drinking water regulations.
“We’re improving the water quality, but we’re also improving our processes and the safety of the plant, and the cost associated with treating your drinking water," said Burns.
The Tampa Water Department is working to adopt the technology at the David L. Tippin Water Treatment Facility after it piloted the technology back in 2020.
The Water Department said the new technology will set them up to be ahead of the curve.
“What does this SIX program do? It treats our water, and it one, reduces the amount of chemicals that we have to use to treat the water," said Mayor Jane Castor.
Burns explained SIX is a step one for PFAS removal.
PFAS, or forever chemicals, are man-made, and they break down slowly over time. Researchers are looking into the impacts of long-term exposure, but the city pointed out that studies show forever chemicals may have negative health effects on people.
“This removes organics so well that it sets us up really nicely at our filters, which are downstream, our carbon filters, that those we’re hoping will be able to remove the PFAS, but we are testing that right now," said Burns
Officials said this technology will put Tampa's Water Department at the forefront of efforts to address forever chemical concerns.
The city said the EPA is expected to release its finalized regulations on six PFAS chemicals by the start of 2024.
