Bringing Clean Drinking Water to San Luis, Arizona
PROJECT TYPE: Municipality, Potable Water
SERVICES: Construction, Start-up, Training
TECHNOLOGIES: Advanced Filtration for Manganese Treatment
HIGHLIGHTS
- Delivered high capacity treatment process of up to 2,200 gallons per minute (GPM) to city’s water supply.
- Installed complete filtration manganese removal system utilizing groundwater production wells.
- Provided a fully automated operation process simplifying overall operation.
MANGANESE CONTAMINATION SOLU7TION FOR SOUTHERN ARIZONA COMMUNITY
The Southern Arizona community of San Luis was dealing with a critical potable water issue: high levels of naturally occurring manganese. This contamination exceeded EPA mandates and caused aesthetic problems, such as staining fixtures and clothing (enhanced by household bleach).
CHALLENGES FACED
- High Manganese Concentration: The raw water from the groundwater production wells contained naturally occurring manganese at a concentration of approximately 0.35 mg/l. This level significantly exceeded the EPA’s mandated Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs).
- Aesthetic and Practical Issues: The manganese in the water was causing staining of fixtures and clothing. This problem was exacerbated by the oxidation that occurs when bleaching agents are used in household laundry.
- Comprehensive Project Scope: The work required was extensive and multifaceted.
SOLUTIONS IMPLEMENTED
- Advanced Pureflow Filtration System: IWS installed a Pureflow Filtration system , which uses coagulation filtration with a permanent catalytic adsorptive media made of highly efficient pyrolucite ore.
- Chemical-Free, Regenerating Media: The filtration media was designed to be backwashed without needing regeneration or chemicals, ensuring a simpler and potentially more cost-effective long-term operation.
- Comprehensive Infrastructure Upgrade: Installed the core Pureflow Filtration system and replaced well pumps, constructed a 40′ by 60′ enclosure building and pad, installed a 60,000-gallon reclaim tank, a sludge mixing system, sludge sewer disposal, and all associated mechanical piping, electrical, and controls.
OUTCOME AND IMPACT
- Achieved Clean Drinking Water: The system successfully treats influent manganese down to non-detect levels of 0.02 mg/l or less, providing clean drinking water to the community.
- High Volume of Treated Water: The two filters within the system can produce a total of 3.2 million gallons of manganese-free water every day.
- Community Milestone: The successful completion and commissioning of the project, including the required testing, start-up, and training , was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The potable water treatment system constructed by IWS successfully resolved the persistent manganese contamination issue in San Luis, Arizona. By deploying an advanced, fully automated filtration system utilizing a permanent catalytic media, the community now benefits from up to 2,200 GPM of water with manganese reduced to non-detect levels. This project not only eliminated health concerns and water staining but also delivered a sustainable, high-capacity, chemical-free water purification solution, marking a major success for the Arizona border town.
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Bringing Clean Drinking Water to San Luis, Arizona
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