Residents in Tampa could soon see one of the nation’s most advanced drinking water treatment systems as the city moves forward with plans to remove PFAS, commonly known as “forever chemicals,” from its water supply.
The City of Tampa is preparing to construct a new treatment facility at the David L. Tippin Water Treatment Facility that will use Suspended Ion Exchange (SIX) technology to remove PFAS and naturally occurring organic matter from the Hillsborough River, the city’s primary drinking water source.
According to city officials and project engineers, the facility will be the first full-scale SIX treatment plant in North America and the largest installation of its kind in the world once it becomes operational. Construction is expected to begin in approximately one year, with the system projected to be online by 2032.
PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals used for decades in products such as nonstick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, food packaging, and firefighting foam. They are known as “forever chemicals” because they break down very slowly in the environment and can accumulate over time.
Engineers working on the project said Tampa’s water quality makes it particularly well suited for SIX technology. In addition to reducing PFAS levels, the process is designed to remove organic material from the water, thereby improving overall treatment efficiency.
The project is part of Tampa’s long-term effort to meet increasingly stringent drinking water standards and modernize its treatment infrastructure. City officials have previously stated that they have been monitoring PFAS levels and planning upgrades in anticipation of evolving federal regulations.
Once completed, the facility is expected to position Tampa as a national leader in advanced drinking water treatment technology and enhance contaminant removal from the city’s water supply.
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