In 2020, Sunshine Water Services (SWS) conducted a statewide assessment of PFAS concentrations in production wells, uncovering that six of the seven wells in the Orangewood Public Water System (PWS) exceeded the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) national standard for drinking water. To tackle this issue, SWS contracted Kimley-Horn in 2021 to perform a detailed PFAS improvement evaluation and pilot study at the Orangewood Water Treatment Facility. This initiative involved a thorough examination of the existing water treatment system and coordination with vendors to evaluate treatment technologies suitable for PFAS removal. The evaluation compared two primary treatment methods: Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) and Ion Exchange (IX). Upon detailed analysis, Kimley-Horn recommended the deployment of selective anion exchange (IX) due to its effectiveness in PFAS removal in a small footprint. The implementation of PFAS improvements for the Orangewood PWS encompassed several phases, including the design, permitting, and phasing of IX improvements, as well as the construction of IX improvements at the highest contributing well. The selected IX treatment technology was then piloted using the full-scale installation. The construction was completed in January 2025, and the pilot will run for twelve months to monitor the breakthrough of PFAS and gather data for optimizing resin selection for future installations. This pilot program is expected to inform SWS of anticipated recurring operation and maintenance expenses, as well as establish as an optimized PFAS treatment strategy for the remaining wells within the Orangewood PWS. The data collected during the pilot phase will be utilized to fine-tune the resin selection process, ensuring the most efficient removal of PFAS. Additionally, this initiative will serve as a valuable learning experience for the leadership and operational teams at SWS, highlighting the benefits of investing in advanced treatment technologies for both water and wastewater treatment facilities. This presentation will provide an in-depth overview of the technology selection process, the design and permitting lessons learned, and the pilot program, focusing on the methodology and the projected benefits of incorporating IX technology for PFAS removal. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the challenges and successes encountered during the project, as well as the practical implications of deploying IX technology for PFAS removal in public water systems. The findings from this pilot study are expected to contribute significantly to the body of knowledge on PFAS treatment and offer a scalable solution for other water utilities facing similar challenges. By sharing these insights, SWS aims to promote the adoption of effective PFAS treatment strategies, ensuring safe and clean drinking water for communities across the state.