Tailored Granular Activated Carbon Treatment of Perchlorate in Drinking Water

This final report describes the results of an Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP) Environmental Restoration project evaluating the use of tailored granular activated carbon (TGAC) in wellhead treatment of perchlorate in drinking water. Several large perchlorate plumes have impacted at least 20 large municipal drinking water supply wells in California s Inland Empire, resulting in their removal from service or installation of costly treatment systems. Perchlorate is a drinking water concern because of its high solubility and mobility, effects on thyroid hormone production, and relatively high treatment cost. The need for perchlorate treatment is nationwide and especially acute in the southwestern United States, including the Southern California Inland Empire region. Throughout the United States, state standards or advisory levels are still evolving, and currently range from 1 to 18 micrograms per liter ( g/L) (http://www.epa.gov/swerffrr/pdf/stateadvisorylevels.pdf).