AWWA ACE59991

AWWA ACE59991 Assessing the Feasibility of Integrated Membrane Systems for Treatment of a Seasonally Brackish Surface Water in Florida
Conference Proceeding by American Water Works Association, 06/17/2004

Alvarez, Matthew B.

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The St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) and CH2M HILL conducted anextensive pilot study involving the use of integrated membrane systems to produce potablewater from the St. Johns River. The study identified treatment processes and costs involvedin using the St. Johns River as an alternative water supply. This source is one alternativebeing evaluated to offset a large water supply deficit projected in eastern central Florida.The raw water source for the pilot study was Lake Monroe in Sanford, Florida. This lake ispart of the St. Johns River system, and is characteristic of typical Florida surface water withlow turbidity and high dissolved organics. In addition, the lake periodically becomesbrackish from saline groundwater inflow during low rainfall periods.Prior to testing, a preliminary raw water characterization study was conducted. Raw waterdata collected by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) was used in the evaluation andselection of appropriate treatment processes for the pilot program. The characterizationstudy identified the treatment requirements necessary for St. Johns River water and apotential treatment facility to be located in the reach between Titusville and DeLand on theSt. Johns River.The basis of this study was to evaluate pretreatment technologies that would sufficientlyreduce the organic and turbidity levels in the water (e.g., coagulation, clarification, andfiltration) so that effective salt removal could be conducted with reverse osmosis (RO) membranes.The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the treatability of this source water, identify theappropriate technology and basic design parameters for treatment, and determine both thecapital and operational costs for this potential facility. The intent is that the information inthis report will assist an entity in implementing a surface water treatment facility in this reachof the St Johns River and facilitate the next step for a water supply project of this type.The findings of this study are that the source water in this reach of the St. Johns River istreatable and can be used as a source for potable drinking water. All of the technologiesidentified and selected by the stakeholders for testing in this study demonstrated feasibilityand can be recommended for use on this water.