LANXESS, a specialty chemicals company, has partnered with De Watergroep, Belgium’s largest water supplier, to address PFAS contamination in drinking water.
The company’s innovative Lewatit TP 108 DW ion exchange resin has been integrated into De Watergroep’s first mobile water treatment unit, which became operational in May 2024.
Located in the Brussels region, the modular plant can treat up to 190,000 liters of drinking water per hour.
A Two-Year Plan to Improve Water Quality
The mobile plant will remain operational for at least two years as part of an interim solution to reduce PFAS levels in Flanders.
After this period, De Watergroep plans to switch to alternative water sources with lower PFAS contamination.
The goal is to consistently bring PFAS levels in drinking water below 50 parts per trillion (ppt), significantly improving water quality for residents in the region.
State-of-the-Art PFAS Removal Technology
LANXESS’s Lewatit TP 108 DW resin plays a critical role in achieving superior PFAS removal. “Our ion exchange resin, combined with De Watergroep’s modular system, meets the latest standards in drinking water treatment technology,” explained Bjoern Dinges, Application Technology Manager at LANXESS.
He emphasized that this setup achieves exceptionally low PFAS levels in filtered water compared to other technologies and represents a scalable solution for global drinking water challenges.
Optimized System for Enhanced Performance
The water treatment system is directly integrated into the region’s drinking water pipeline. The incoming water has a PFAS concentration of 80 ppt, which already meets existing limits. However, the advanced treatment system further reduces contamination.
Pre-filtration extends the lifespan of the ion exchange filters. Chlorine is removed before filtration and reintroduced afterward. LANXESS will monitor the system’s performance throughout the project to ensure consistent results over the two-year period.
A Name to Reckon
De Watergroep is a vital lifeline for water supply in Flanders. It employs over 1,600 professionals. These individuals deliver clean water to 177 municipalities across West and East Flanders, Flemish Brabant, and Limburg.
Its extensive network spans more than 34,000 kilometers, ensuring reliable service to millions of residents.
As per the company press release, by combining LANXESS’s advanced technology with De Watergroep’s expertise. This project marks a significant step toward safer and cleaner drinking water for the people of Belgium.
