‍Birchtech’s division, WE₂C Environmental, is dedicated to creating cost-effective solutions for removing "forever chemicals" (PFAS) that help utilities manage compliance costs without burdening consumers. Our mission is clear: to bring the same advancements to water that we’ve already achieved in air. We believe that water free from harmful chemicals should be accessible and affordable—an essential right, not a privilege.

The Challenges Water Utilities Face

Water utilities across the U.S. are under increasing pressure to comply with new regulations around “forever chemicals” (PFAS), and the cost for EPA’s PFAS reduction is expected to cost utilities more than $47 billion in the coming years. However, the cost of compliance is only part of the problem. Utilities face additional concerns in two main areas:
‍
1) Supply Shortages and Rising Costs of Virgin Activated Carbon: Granular activated carbon (GAC), recognized as the “Best Available Technology” (BAT) for contaminant removal, has seen price increases of over 50% in the past 12-18 months due to rising raw material costs and industry demand. These spikes could eventually impact consumers as utilities manage increased costs to maintain compliance.
‍
2) Disposal Challenges: After GAC is used to remove contaminants, the spent carbon is often discarded, creating additional costs and environmental concerns. The USGS (United States Geological Survey) has recently reported growing concerns of PFAS in groundwater. With rising costs associated with disposal and the growing challenge of safely managing PFAS-laden waste, utilities are looking for more efficient and cost-effective ways to handle disposal.
‍
The Impact on Consumers

As utilities face higher compliance and disposal costs, there’s a potential for these increases to impact consumers over time. We’re dedicated to providing innovative solutions that help utilities manage these costs efficiently, aiming to keep clean drinking water as accessible as possible.
‍
Birchtech’s Solution: WE₂C Environmental’s Forward-Looking Technologies

To support water utilities, WE₂C Environmental offers sustainable, agile, and customizable technologies that address each utility’s unique needs.
‍
1) Customizable Technologies: Through two new labs, WE₂C Environmental provides flexible solutions to meet each utility’s specific requirements.
‍
2) Consultative Approach: Our specialized analysis and hands-on approach help utilities maximize performance and reduce PFAS removal costs. These labs offer real-time testing to support data-driven decisions and rapid response.
‍
With a secured agreement to produce a 2,000-ton feedstock supply, WE₂C will be positioned to meet increasing demand in the water treatment industry with competitive, cost-effective solutions. Our holistic business model, backed by our labs and data-based analysis, empowers utilities to achieve regulatory compliance more affordably.
‍
The Future of PFAS Removal

Birchtech is committed to innovation in PFAS removal. Our lab design centre will focus on both reactivated carbon performance and the development of superior technology solutions. These efforts will help utilities achieve compliance at a lower cost, making clean water more accessible for all.

Why WE₂C? Proven Leadership and Disruptive R&D

1) Experienced Team: 130 years of combined expertise in activated carbon and technology development.
‍
2) Innovative Solutions: Expertise in activated carbon for meaningful environmental impact.
‍
3) Commitment to Affordability: Dedicated to making clean technology accessible and affordable.
‍
4) Values-Driven: Built on fairness and transparency across all business activities.

Birchtech and WE₂C Environmental are poised to transform water treatment, following the same impactful path we carved out for air quality.

For more information on the dangers of Forever Chemicals: https://www.epa.gov/pfas/increasing-our-understanding-health-risks-pfas-and-how-address-them

For up-to-date info on our efforts: https://ir.birchtech.com/news-events/press-releases