Fast-Track Water Testing: Birchtech & CEC Partnership Accelerates Utility Solutions

By Brenda Thompson | November 03, 2025

CORSICANA, Texas – In an era demanding increasingly sustainable infrastructure, the speed at which water utilities can assess and implement treatment solutions is critical. A new collaboration between Birchtech Corp. (TSX: BCHT, OTCQB: BCHT) and national engineering firm Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc. (CEC) promises to accelerate that process through the deployment of Rapid Small-Scale Column Testing (RSSCT). While still in the Letter of Intent phase, the potential of this partnership points toward a new era of efficiency in water quality management.

Birchtech, known for its specialty activated carbon technologies, and CEC, a leading provider of water infrastructure solutions, are joining forces to make RSSCT more accessible to utilities across the United States. RSSCT is a method for quickly evaluating the performance of various water treatment technologies, allowing for faster decision-making and potentially significant cost savings.

“The challenge for many water utilities isn’t necessarily a lack of innovative technologies, but the time and expense associated with properly vetting them,” explains an industry analyst familiar with the project. “RSSCT offers a streamlined approach, but it needs to be readily available and cost-effective to truly make an impact.”

The Promise of Accelerated Testing

Traditional water treatment testing methods can be time-consuming and expensive, often requiring lengthy pilot studies and extensive lab work. RSSCT, in contrast, allows utilities to simulate real-world conditions on a smaller scale, providing results in a fraction of the time. This acceleration is particularly valuable in addressing emerging contaminants and adapting to changing regulatory requirements.

“Utilities are facing increasing pressure to remove PFAS, microplastics, and other complex contaminants from drinking water,” notes a water quality specialist. “The ability to quickly assess different treatment options is crucial for meeting these challenges effectively.”

Birchtech's contribution to the partnership lies in its specialized Analytical Design Center in Grand Forks, North Dakota. This facility is equipped with advanced technologies for conducting RSSCT with a high degree of accuracy and efficiency. The company believes its streamlined processes can significantly reduce testing costs and turnaround times.

“We’ve invested in creating a facility that’s optimized for rapid testing,” explains a Birchtech representative. “Our goal is to provide utilities with the data they need to make informed decisions quickly and confidently.”

CEC’s Reach and Expertise

CEC brings to the table a vast network of clients and a deep understanding of water infrastructure needs. The firm works with a diverse range of water utilities, from municipal systems to private companies and industrial facilities. This broad reach will be instrumental in deploying RSSCT services to a wider audience.

“CEC has a long-standing reputation for providing high-quality engineering and consulting services to the water industry,” says a CEC project manager. “We see this partnership as an opportunity to enhance our service offerings and provide our clients with even more innovative solutions.”

Beyond Speed: A Holistic Approach

While speed and cost-effectiveness are key benefits of RSSCT, the partnership between Birchtech and CEC aims to offer a more holistic approach to water treatment evaluation. This includes a comprehensive assessment of treatment performance, considering factors such as contaminant removal efficiency, operating costs, and environmental impact.

“It’s not just about finding the fastest way to remove contaminants,” emphasizes an environmental consultant. “It’s about finding the most sustainable and cost-effective solution that meets the long-term needs of the community.”

The partnership also plans to provide utilities with expert guidance on selecting the most appropriate treatment technologies for their specific needs. This includes conducting site-specific assessments, evaluating treatment options, and providing recommendations based on water quality data and regulatory requirements.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

Despite the promising potential of this collaboration, several challenges remain. The partnership is currently in the Letter of Intent phase, and a definitive agreement has yet to be finalized. Furthermore, the widespread adoption of RSSCT will require overcoming hurdles such as industry acceptance, standardization of testing protocols, and data validation.

“There’s a need for greater standardization in RSSCT methodologies,” says an industry analyst. “This will help ensure the reliability and comparability of test results.”

Another challenge lies in educating water utilities about the benefits of RSSCT and demonstrating its value in real-world applications. This will require proactive outreach, technical presentations, and case studies showcasing the successful implementation of RSSCT solutions.

Despite these challenges, the partnership between Birchtech and CEC represents a significant step forward in the quest for more efficient and sustainable water management. By accelerating the evaluation of water treatment technologies, this collaboration has the potential to help utilities address critical water quality challenges and protect public health for generations to come. The industry will be closely watching to see how this partnership unfolds and whether it can deliver on its promise of transforming the way water treatment solutions are evaluated and implemented. The success of this venture could pave the way for wider adoption of accelerated testing methods and usher in a new era of innovation in the water industry.