Upgrades at a Suffolk water treatment plant wrapped up in July, aided by a million-dollar federal appropriation.
New electrodialysis reversal membrane stacks were installed at the G. Robert House Water Treatment Facility, replacing aged membranes at the plant. The project cost more than $5 million.
The membranes are part of ongoing efforts to reduce naturally occurring fluoride levels in groundwater to safe-to-consume levels. The replacement stacks combine electrical currents with membrane filters that can draw fluoride out of water.
“The … upgrade at the G. Robert House Water Treatment Facility is more than just a technical improvement,” Mayor Mike Duman said. “It is a lifeline for our residents.”
While fluoride is known for dental health benefits at an optimal concentration of 0.7 milligrams per liter of water, according to the Virginia Department of Health, it can pose risks to dental and bone health in high concentrations.
“By upgrading our EDR membranes, we are not only addressing this challenge, but also assuring that our water meets and exceeds the Virginia Department of Health’s stringent water quality standards,” Duman said.
Congresswoman Jen Kiggans was in Suffolk to ceremonially present the federal funds to city officials. She called it a privilege to be able to bring money back to the district for projects like this.
“That’s your money,” Kiggans said. “You guys already contributed that money, we just bring it home.”
A nurse practitioner by trade, she said she’s seen patients struggle with long-term dental health problems that fluoride reduction processes aim to quell.
“This is very meaningful for me because it’s something that my patients have struggled with,” said Kiggans. “It was really a no-brainer and a very easy decision to … earmark this funding.”
Installation began in early 2024 and completed “only a few weeks ago,” according to Suffolk director of public utilities Paul Retel.
“It was a challenging project,” Retel said. “We needed to have the membranes installed during our low water demand period, while also dealing with [manufacturing] supply chain issues that cropped up during the project.”
With work completed, Retel expects the new membranes to be around for some time.
“We’re told by the membrane manufacturer our plant has the longest life of any of the membranes in the United States,” Retel said.
“That’s because of Randy [Brooks] and his staff with the continual and rigorous maintenance of these membranes. A great way to spend rate-payer and taxpayer money.”
