Municipalities around the world are evaluating new approaches to address contamination from perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS or “forever chemicals,” in drinking water supplies. A new patented treatment system is now operating at the Lake Stockholm municipal water facility in New Jersey, offering regulators and water authorities a real-world case study.

The technology was developed by BioLargo, a cleantech engineering company focused on advanced water treatment and environmental solutions. According to the company, the Lake Stockholm installation represents its first deployment of an alternative filtration system in an active municipal setting.

BioLargo Chief Executive Officer Dennis Calvert described the project as a milestone for the company and pointed to New Jersey’s regulatory momentum as a signal of broader trends. He noted that actions taken by the state reflect the direction many jurisdictions may follow as public and medical concerns over PFAS intensify.

The system is installed and operational, and the formal commissioning process has begun under oversight from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

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Growing Regulatory and Financial Momentum

New Jersey has emerged as a leading state in PFAS remediation efforts. In 2025, the state secured landmark settlements totaling more than $2 billion from major polluters, marking the largest environmental settlement ever reached by a single U.S. state. Those funds are being directed toward remediation and treatment initiatives, including new technologies deployed at municipal facilities.

At the federal level, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced in February 2026 that it had released $945 million in the previous year to reduce exposure to PFAS in drinking water systems.

Regulators and health agencies have increasingly highlighted the persistence and toxicity of PFAS. These synthetic chemicals can remain in the environment for hundreds of years and have been associated with adverse health effects. The National Institutes of Health has described PFAS as highly toxic emerging contaminants that continue to pose risks even after being removed from direct human contact if not properly destroyed.

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Addressing the Limits of Traditional PFAS Treatment

Conventional PFAS removal technologies, such as activated carbon and ion exchange, typically separate contaminants from water but do not eliminate them. This approach can generate secondary waste streams that require additional disposal and management.

BioLargo’s patented Aqueous Electrostatic Concentrator technology is designed to capture both long-chain and short-chain PFAS compounds, which are often difficult to treat using traditional methods. The company states that its system produces minimal waste and aims to provide a more comprehensive treatment pathway.

The technology was highlighted in Chemical Engineering magazine in late 2025 for its near-zero waste profile. Ongoing testing at Lake Stockholm will be conducted in coordination with state and federal regulators to evaluate performance under municipal operating conditions.

As municipalities confront tightening regulations and public pressure to address water contamination, the results from pilot projects such as the Lake Stockholm installation may influence how communities approach PFAS treatment and long-term water safety planning.

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