#United States #PFAS Treatment #Terre Haute #Indiana American Water

Indiana American Water's PFAS Treatment Project

Indiana American Water has recently unveiled plans for a significant advancement in drinking water treatment as part of its commitment to health and safety in the community of Terre Haute. The utility will construct its second state-of-the-art facility for removing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This initiative, with an estimated cost of around $19 million, marks an important step in ongoing efforts to ensure clean, safe drinking water for all residents.

Mayor Brandon Sakbun of Terre Haute expressed enthusiasm regarding the impact of this project, stating that it demonstrates a strong collaborative relationship between the city and Indiana American Water. "This project represents a major step forward for Terre Haute and reflects our dedication to ensure clean, safe water for our families," he noted. This sentiment underscores the significance of safeguarding public health and supporting the community's future growth.

The Terre Haute PFAS treatment facility is being funded in part by the Indiana State Revolving Fund, contributing approximately $14 million of the overall budget. Completion of the treatment system is projected for mid-2028, further emphasizing the company's proactive approach in combatting contaminants of emerging concern, specifically PFAS, which have raised increasing public health concerns across the country.

The construction is set to begin this summer, utilizing the same proven granular activated carbon (GAC) treatment technology that was first implemented at the company's Charlestown facility. This facility, Indiana's first dedicated to PFAS removal, started operations in late 2025. By adopting this reliable treatment method, Indiana American Water aims to replicate the success of their initial facility while ensuring high-quality results for Terre Haute residents.

Additionally, Reynolds Construction has been selected as the contractor for the project, bringing an expected workforce of 30 to 65 employees or contractors during peak construction times. Economic research from the Value of Water Campaign indicates that investment in water infrastructure, such as the planned improvements in Terre Haute, creates substantial job opportunities—approximately 10 jobs for every million dollars spent.

For those interested in learning more about PFAS and their implications, Indiana American Water offers a dedicated resource webpage. This includes information on what PFAS are, their effects on drinking water, and the company's ongoing measures to maintain water quality that meets or exceeds state and federal standards. Residents seeking insights into their specific water quality can access Indiana American Water's Water Quality Reports, which provide detailed information about the performance of the Terre Haute system and much more.

As the utility continues to navigate the critical waters of public health, Barry Suits, President of Indiana American Water, reaffirmed the company's commitment: "Caring for our customers' health and providing high-quality water is our top priority." The forthcoming PFAS treatment facility will embody that commitment, setting a precedent for actions that protect public health and ensure reliable water services for future generations.

American Water stands as the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States, serving around 14 million people across 14 states. Indiana American Water, a subsidiary of this major corporation, caters to approximately 1.5 million residents in the state with consistent efforts to provide safe and affordable water.

For more information about their services and ongoing initiatives, residents can visit American Water's website or follow them on social media platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook for updates and community engagement.