The Gulf Coast Water Authority's Dr. Thomas Mackey Water Treatment Plant (GCWA WTP) is a conventional surface water treatment facility that consists of coagulation, flocculation,
clarification, filtration, and disinfection processes. The plant receives raw water from the Brazos
River of which the water quality is characterized with variable turbidities, high total organic carbon
(TOC) levels, and elevated bromide concentrations.
The GCWA plans to expand the existing plant by 20.1 million gallons per day (MGD) to a total
production capacity of 70.1 MGD. Two treatment alternatives were evaluated for the 20.1 MGD
expansion, including conventional treatment and membrane filtration. Each treatment alternative was
developed based on meeting treatment goals established for the plant and current drinking water
standards. Additional Cryptosporidium treatment requirement under the Long Term 2 Enhanced
Surface Water Treatment Rule (LT2ESWTR) was also considered in the evaluation of the treatment
alternatives.
Both alternatives will meet the treatment goals under the current drinking standards. However, the
membrane filtration alternative can provide higher Cryptosporidium removal, meeting more
stringent LT2ESWTR requirements. The capital cost of the membrane alternative is fairly
comparable to the conventional treatment, with a marginal difference of 2.5%. The operation and
maintenance (O&M) costs with the membrane are slightly higher. However, the difference is
expected to be reduced as the costs of membrane replacement go down. Overall, the 20-year present
worth value is within 9% between the two treatment alternatives. Includes tables.
| Edition : | Vol. - No. |
| File Size : | 1
file
, 200 KB |
| Note : | This product is unavailable in Ukraine, Russia, Belarus |
| Number of Pages : | 16 |
| Published : | 11/01/2007 |
