Available Options for Regeneration or Disposal of PFAS-Laden Drinking Water Residuals, Media, and Waste

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is driving widespread implementation of PFAS treatment across drinking water utilities. While technologies such as granular activated carbon (GAC), ion exchange (IX), and some membrane processes are effective for PFAS removal from drinking water, they generate PFAS-laden liquid and solid residuals that can be costly to manage, lack consistent regulatory oversight, and have limited industry guidance for disposal or reuse. Utilities face significant uncertainty related to waste characterization, disposal pathways, regulatory expectations, and long-term life-cycle costs as they plan for the upcoming drinking water compliance deadlines.  

The goal of this project is to develop a practical, utility-focused decision framework and guidance document to support effective management of PFAS-laden wastes while meeting regulatory compliance. The research will include a comprehensive technology and regulatory review, stakeholder engagement through surveys and a project participant workshop, targeted experimental studies at bench, pilot, and full-scale level to address critical data gaps, and a comprehensive economic analysis of PFAS waste management alternatives. Experimental evaluations will address liquid and solid residuals, IX regeneration, GAC reactivation, and nanofiltration/reverse osmosis concentrate management. 

This project will provide utilities with consistent, evidence-based strategies to manage PFAS-laden wastes while balancing compliance, cost, and long-term sustainability.