CFPUA prepares to drain aquifer storage

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — CFPUA staff continued to prepare for the start of the Aquifer Storage and Recovery draining project this week.

The CFPUA says the temporary pipeline that will carry water to the nearest wastewater force main has been completed. Once draining begins, the water will then go through the CFPUA wastewater treatment process and will be discharged to the Cape Fear River.

This week, staff continued to construct monitoring wells in the areas surrounding the Westbrook water tank that will help staff manage the project and allow for regular testing of the water leaving the aquifer. Once all monitoring wells have been constructed, staff will begin draining areas of the aquifer containing levels of GenX higher than the levels in the water currently in the distribution system.

CFPUA expects that draining will begin late next week.

Earlier this week, CFPUA received results for the period August 16-23 from our on-going GenX testing at the Sweeney Water Treatment Plant. Levels of GenX continue to remain below the DHHS health goal of 140 ppt.