Bringing Clean Drinking Water to San Luis, Arizona

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 SOLUTION 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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