Emergency Water Treatment for Unexpected Water Challenges

May 28, 2025

Natural disasters, chemical spills, and drinking water contamination present challenges for communities worldwide. These events can compromise water quality, disrupt daily life, and pose significant risks to public health. In such scenarios, emergency water treatment systems provide a lifeline by ensuring high-quality, potable water when people need it most.

When to Implement Emergency Water Treatment

Recent incidents, including the devastating flooding caused by Hurricane Helene in Asheville, North Carolina, and the alarming discovery of PFAS contamination in U.S. tap water, highlight the urgent need for effective mobile emergency water treatment systems. Deploying these vital tools can ease emergencies that arise from:

Natural Disasters

Extreme weather and wildfires often damage municipal water infrastructure, leading to contamination and supply shortages. Mobile systems provide high-quality water quickly, preventing public health crises.

Chemical Spills

Industrial accidents, such as the train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, release hazardous chemicals into local waterways. Emergency treatment systems equipped with reverse osmosis (RO) and microfiltration (MF) technologies can ensure thorough contaminant removal and compliance with safety standards.

Widespread Contamination

Incidents like the discovery of PFAS contamination demand scalable solutions that can address large-scale contamination efficiently. Mobile water units help communities regain access to quality water while long-term remediation efforts are underway.

How Emergency Water Treatment Systems Work

Mobile emergency water units are portable, modular systems that deliver high-quality water treatment on-site. Designed for rapid deployment, these systems can adapt to various emergencies, including natural disasters, industrial accidents, and contamination events.

Key technologies include:

• Microfiltration (MF): Removes suspended solids, bacteria, and larger particles to ensure initial water clarity.
• Reverse osmosis (RO): Eliminates dissolved chemicals, heavy metals, and salts, producing ultrapure water suitable for drinking.

These systems are operational within hours of deployment and can treat diverse water sources, including surface water, groundwater, and secondary effluent. Their flexibility makes them ideal for urban and remote locations alike.

Responding to Asheville’s Water Crisis

In September 2024, Hurricane Helene unleashed torrential rains and flooding across Asheville, overwhelming the North Fork Reservoir, a major source of drinking water for the region. The flooding caused turbidity levels to skyrocket, making the water unsafe for consumption. The boil water advisory that was put into effect after the storm was lifted nearly two months later in November. 

To address this crisis, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers deployed a mobile emergency water unit at the University of North Carolina Asheville. The temporary system included advanced filtration technologies designed to remove sediment, prevent waterborne illness, and restore water clarity quickly. 

Mobile treatment units are rapidly deployable and highly effective in addressing crises of this magnitude due to advanced filtration methods, including microfiltration and reverse osmosis. This decision to deploy mobile units demonstrated the value of emergency water treatment systems that can be operational within hours and adapt to various water quality challenges.

The Growing Threat of PFAS Contamination

Across the U.S., concerns about per and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination in drinking water have reached alarming levels. A 2023 study conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey revealed that nearly half of the nation’s tap water contains these “forever chemicals,” which resist traditional treatment methods.

PFAS contamination poses a unique challenge because it requires advanced technologies like RO for effective removal. Carbon filtration, while useful for removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), often falls short when addressing PFAS and similar contaminants.

Many communities affected by PFAS contamination are conducting studies and investigations of industrial sites and airports. Investing in emergency mobile treatment solutions could provide high-quality water while they evaluate options for implementing long-term solutions. 

Advantages of Emergency Water Treatment Systems

• Rapid deployment: Systems can be set up within hours, minimizing downtime during crises.
• Versatile applications: Advanced technologies handle diverse contaminants, including turbidity, pathogens, and chemical pollutants.
• Scalable and modular: Units can be tailored to meet specific needs, from small communities to large industrial facilities.

• Cost-effective: Temporary systems reduce the need for extensive infrastructure investments while delivering reliable performance.

Aria Filtra Solutions for Emergency Water Treatment

Aria Filtra^® offers cutting-edge solutions tailored to emergency water treatment needs:

• Aria FAST™ T80: A flexible, trailer-based system designed for quick setup and capable of treating groundwater, surface water, or secondary effluent.
• Aria FAST C60: This containerized system delivers up to 1,200 gpm of high-quality water, making it ideal for emergency scenarios requiring substantial capacity.
• Aria FAST T96: With a capacity of 1,400 gpm, this unit is engineered for high-demand applications, offering reliable performance and advanced filtration technologies.
• IMPRO Reverse Osmosis: A high-recovery, closed-circuit reverse osmosis (CCRO) trailer that solves the limitations of conventional RO, making operation easier and more reliable.

Each Aria Filtra solution includes remote monitoring capabilities through Aria SMARTBOX™, allowing operators to track performance in real-time and make adjustments as needed. With an additional eGuardian subscription, off-site engineers can remotely detect and address issues before they escalate, reducing onsite service needs and operating costs.  

Lessons from Recent Events

Recent water emergencies highlight the importance of preparedness and swift action. As climate changes and industrial activities increase the likelihood of water emergencies, municipalities and industries must invest in reliable emergency water treatment systems.

Advanced mobile treatment units like Aria Filtra’s provide a versatile, scalable, and effective response to water quality challenges. By incorporating technologies like RO and MF, these systems deliver unmatched protection for public health and environmental safety.

Emergency Preparedness Starts with Aria Filtra

Emergencies affecting water quality demand immediate and effective solutions. Whether addressing natural disasters, chemical spills, or widespread contamination, mobile emergency water units and temporary water filtration systems are critical tools for safeguarding communities.

With advanced technology, rapid deployment capabilities, and proven reliability, systems like those from Aria Filtra offer a lifeline during crises. By investing in these solutions, municipalities and industries can build resilience and ensure access to high-quality water when challenges arise.

For more information on mobile water treatment solutions, explore our resources and contact our team.

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