Revolutionary Waste Solution: 374Water's AirSCWO Set to Transform OC San

Fountain Valley, California, USA - The world of wastewater management is experiencing a significant shift with the deployment of innovative technologies aimed at tackling the longstanding challenges associated with biosolids. Just last week, 374Water Inc. shared a much-anticipated update regarding their AirSCWO technology, which stands poised to revolutionize how municipalities handle waste. According to StockTitan, the company has completed manufacturing the AirSCWO 6 System as of June 2025, a crucial step in its operational rollout set for Orange County Sanitation (OC San) District Plant No. 1 in California.

OC San, which processes an impressive 180 million gallons of wastewater daily for over 2.6 million residents, currently manages more than 525 wet tons of Class B biosolids every day for agricultural reuse. This traditional method of disposal raises environmental concerns as it can lead to soil and water contamination, spurred by harmful substances including heavy metals and even PFAS—substances under scrutiny across the nation. The new AirSCWO system aims to eliminate offsite biosolids reuse entirely, promoting a cleaner, more sustainable approach to waste management.

The Journey to Deployment

Following a slight delay due to supply chain disruptions, the AirSCWO system is on track for installation in September 2025. Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) is set to kick off in July, anticipated to span 30-60 days. Once operational, 374Water engineers will oversee the initial six months, conducting a Controlled Performance Study. This collaborative approach ensures that OC San staff can smoothly take on operations thereafter, with continued engineering support for an additional six months.

This move aligns perfectly with the growing urgency to find effective biosolid management solutions. In 2022, the U.S. generated around 7 million dry tons of biosolids, with more than half of this amount being land applied. However, traditional disposal methods are increasingly being called into question due to health risks and environmental contamination, as discussed by 374Water. For instance, an increasing number of states, including Florida, have enacted stricter regulations as they attempt to mitigate nutrient pollution and its effects on waterways.

The Benefits of AirSCWO Technology

374Water’s AirSCWO system transforms sludge into clean water and non-toxic byproducts, operating with low energy consumption and minimal maintenance. This technology not only minimizes harmful contaminants but also recycles valuable resources like recoverable heat, making it a cost-effective and scalable solution for various treatment facilities. As the ongoing crisis around biosolid disposal grows, municipalities across the U.S. are seeking out alternatives like this that promise to do away with the current burdensome disposal methods.

Research has increasingly spotlighted the risks associated with biosolid application in agriculture, such as microplastics, PFAS, and heavy metals contaminating crops and soils. Various studies, including those from the Environmental Health Journal, highlight potential risks to both human health and agriculture. In such a landscape, the launch of the AirSCWO technology may hold the key to alleviating these concerns while fostering sustainable practices within waste management.

In summary, the introduction of the AirSCWO system marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of biosolid management, a field laden with challenges. As the system gears up for deployment, the hope is that it not only improves operations at OC San but also sets a precedent for other municipalities grappling with similar issues. In doing so, it could pave the way for a greener and more responsible future in the arena of waste management.