De Watergroep is Flanders’ largest drinking water utility, supplying over 3 million customers. Parts of De Watergroep’s network were found to have PFAS levels around 70–80 ng/L (sum of 20 PFAS), which, while below current standards, approached the upcoming European limit of 100 ng/L.

The utility proactively aimed to cut PFAS concentrations by at least half to ensure safety and stay well within future regulationswaterleau.com. A swift solution was needed to treat the affected water source near Halle, Belgium (serving the towns of Sint-Rochus, Essenbeek, Buizingen) without major disruption to supply.

Fast deployment of mobile IEX unit

Waterleau delivered a turnkey containerized ion exchange system to De Watergroep as a fast-track solution. Housed in a standard 40-ft container, the installation uses a specialty PFAS-selective ion exchange resin to target and remove PFAS from the drinking water. The mobile treatment unit was integrated into the existing water distribution network in a matter of months, treating a flow of approximately 200 m³/h. The compact footprint and plug-and-play design of the container unit allowed it to be deployed at the wellfield site with minimal civil works.

Reducing PFAS concentration below half the new limit

Since its commissioning in April 2024, the Waterleau IEX unit has consistently reduced PFAS20 levels from ~80 ng/L down to <50 ng/L in the treated water. This outcome surpasses De Watergroep’s goal and provides an extra margin of safety below the future EU limit (100 ng/L) that takes effect in 2026.

“As a precaution, De Watergroep aimed for PFAS concentrations below 50 ng/L, well below that level,” noted Kathleen De Schepper of De Watergroep.

The project demonstrates how Waterleau’s solution enabled the utility to proactively meet emerging standards and protect public health.

Importantly, the entire system is mobile and reusable – it can be relocated or adjusted as needs change, embodying a flexible asset in the fight against PFAS.

De Watergroep’s success showcases Waterleau’s ability to deliver quick, compliant PFAS treatment for drinking water providers using advanced resin technology.