Cutting Edge Water Treatment Technologies
Increased water demand, growing populations, stringent water permitting restrictions, and regulatory withdrawal limitations are challenging utilities to look at all sources to fulfill the demand for water.
Poor, raw water quality and/or the potential for formation of disinfection byproducts in the water distribution system are necessitating utilities to evaluate new treatment alternatives. With today’s innovative technologies to remove pathogens and organics at a very high level, numerous options are available to successfully implement a solution that will result in high quality water.
Ion Exchange Technology
MIEX® is an innovative new treatment technology with a unique continuous ion exchange process that offers a cost-effective and environmentally friendly removal process capable of achieving new standards in water quality. Benefits of this ion exchange technology include significantly less waste residuals, color removal, reduced chlorine demand for disinfection, and significant reductions in disinfection by-product formation. Wright-Pierce is employing this technology for pre-treatment at a slow sand filtration facility.
Ballasted Microsand Technology
The Actiflo® process uses ballasted microsand for the clarification of drinking water. The process has proven stable and efficient in meeting water-quality standards even with significant seasonal and weather related variations in turbidity and flow. The technology is applicable to both surface and groundwater where improved performance and/or capital cost reduction is desired. Ballasted microsand pretreatment is particularly effective at removal of turbidity, color, and total organic carbon in flashy, unpredictable waters such as rivers. It is also efficient at removing taste and odor associated with algae.
Membrane Technology
Membrane filtration has gained mainstream acceptance and is the preferred technology for many surface waters, for iron and manganese removal in groundwater, and for the removal of protozoans such as cryptosporidium. Benefits of membrane systems include better removal of contaminants, higher efficiency, smaller footprint, consistent operation with less operator attention, and environmentally friendly with less chemical use.
Desalination
Desalination, the process of converting saline water into fresh water, is being used more and more around the world to provide people with needed freshwater. Although most of the United States has, or can gain access to ample supplies of fresh water for drinking purposes, growing populations in densely populated areas are needing to evaluate unconventional water sources such as the ocean. Desalination technology is improving and costs, which traditionally have been high, are falling, thus making it a viable alternative for some municipalities.
As engineers, we continuously seek and test the best methods to achieve the highest water quality. We are working with clients throughout New England on numerous water treatment projects, applying the best technology to meet specific requirements.