Cal Water Crews Installing New Treatment Systems in Chico to Address…

In Chico, California, efforts are currently being undertaken to combat the presence of PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” in the city’s drinking water. This initiative involves the installation of new treatment systems by Cal Water crews in central areas of the city to address this pressing issue. These treatment systems have been specifically designed to filter out PFAS before the water reaches households, ensuring the safety of the drinking water supply. PFAS are synthetic chemicals that have the potential to easily spread through water, prompting the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to introduce stricter regulations concerning their presence.

According to Evan Markey, Cal Water’s District Manager in Chico, efforts to tackle PFAS have been ongoing since 2013, but it wasn’t until April 2025 that federal regulations were officially put in place. Markey explained that these chemicals are commonly found in a variety of everyday products, such as water-resistant materials and Teflon coatings. The installation of the new treatment systems is a proactive measure to adhere to the EPA’s regulations and ensure the safety of the local water supply.

The construction of the treatment systems involves the use of large steel vessels filled with granular activated carbon, similar to the material found in household water filters like Brita. This carbon acts as a magnet, effectively capturing PFAS and preventing them from contaminating the water. Markey revealed that Cal Water is currently involved in a class-action lawsuit against manufacturers of these compounds, such as DuPont and 3M, seeking compensation to offset the costs incurred by the project. Despite potential financial support from the lawsuit, the estimated cost of the project is $40 million, with completion expected by the end of 2026.

The importance of addressing the presence of PFAS in drinking water cannot be overstated, especially considering the long-term health implications associated with these chemicals. Under new federal regulations, water systems across the country are required to monitor and mitigate the presence of PFAS by 2027, with stricter limits to be enforced by 2029. The installation of treatment systems by Cal Water in Chico signifies a proactive approach to ensuring the quality and safety of the local drinking water supply, reflecting a commitment to public health and environmental stewardship.