Ridgewood Water Joins Forces with NJIT Innovation Hub to Tackle “Forever Chemicals”

Ridgewood Water Partners with NJIT Center for Translational Research & PFASolve to Revolutionize Water Testing

photo courtesy of Ridgewood Water

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, In a major step forward for local public health and utility innovation, Ridgewood Water has announced a strategic collaboration with PFASolve, an environmental technology startup, brought together through NJIT’s Center for Translational Research (CTR).

The partnership aims to dramatically modernize how public water utilities detect and filter out per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances—commonly known as PFAS or “forever chemicals”.

Breaking the Testing Bottleneck: 24-Hour Results

Historically, water utilities testing for PFAS face a lengthy two-week turnaround time for laboratory results. Through this new collaboration, PFASolve is deploying rapid testing methods designed to deliver precise results in just 24 hours.

“PFASolve is developing a testing method that delivers results in just 24 hours, compared to our current turnaround time of two weeks or more,” said Richard Calbi, Director of Ridgewood Water.

In addition to rapid detection, PFASolve is evaluating ways to extend the lifespan of the Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) filters currently utilized at Ridgewood Water’s treatment facilities. Extending filter life reduces operational costs while maintaining maximum filtration efficiency.

“Having access to the latest technology for PFAS remediation is critical to serving our communities’ need for safe water,” Calbi added. “Collaborating with PFASolve can help us become a model for other utilities and providers.”

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Understanding the Science: NJIT’s CTR & PFAS Study Explained

To understand why this collaboration matters, it helps to look at the institution that made it happen:

What is NJIT’s Center for Translational Research (CTR)?

Launched by the New Jersey Institute of Technology, the Center for Translational Research acts as an innovation bridge. Its mission is to take cutting-edge scientific discoveries created in university laboratories and accelerate their path into practical, commercial tools that solve real-world problems.

What is the PFAS Study & Technology?

• The “Forever Chemical” Problem: PFAS are persistent synthetic chemicals found in non-stick cookware, firefighting foam, and water-resistant fabrics. Because they do not break down naturally, they accumulate in soil and groundwater nationwide.

• Next-Gen Rapid Detection: NJIT researchers (led by environmental scientists and chemistry faculty) developed advanced ionization mass spectrometry techniques capable of isolating and identifying PFAS molecules in liquid samples in fractions of the time standard labs take.

• From Research to Practical Application: Through CTR-backed initiatives like the NJ PFAS Partnership Innovation Consortium (PFAS-PIC) and private ventures like PFASolve, NJIT is testing these rapid detection methods directly in municipal groundwater systems like Ridgewood Water.

• Filter Lifespan Optimization: GAC filters are the industry standard for capturing PFAS, but replacing the carbon media is expensive. NJIT’s ongoing studies test how specialized carbon modifications and real-time monitoring can keep filters operating effectively for longer periods.

By connecting academic research directly with municipal infrastructure, this partnership establishes Bergen County as a leader in clean water technology.

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• Categories / Tags: Ridgewood NJ, Bergen County News, Water Quality, NJIT Innovation, Environmental Health