A toxic component of rocket and missile fuel, also present in fireworks, ammunition, safety flares, matches, automobile air bags and naturally occurring in certain fertilizers, perchlorate contamination has generated increasing concern in recent years for its presence in drinking water supplies in 25 states.
 

Due to perchlorate contamination, output from San Bernardino’s Pepper Street Well has been limited to non-potable uses since 2007 when the State of California adopted the 6 parts per billion (ppb) maximum contaminant level (MCL) for perchlorate. The 600 gpm-capacity treatment system consists of two compact mobile units and utilizes high-efficiency ion exchange technology to reduce perchlorate levels to below the EPA or California Department of Public Health MCL of 6 ppb. Along with the environmental benefits of reclaiming a local water source, the system utilizes no chemicals in the treatment process and does not require electricity to operate, further reducing costs and environmental impact for the County.
 

Orlando Carreño, vice president, West Region for Envirogen said: “By solving the perchlorate-contamination problem with this well and offering a lifecycle performance approach to the installation, Envirogen Technologies is offering the Arrowhead Regional Medical Centre a reliable and lower-cost source of quality drinking water today and into the future.”