The solution comes by treating water consisting of treated wastewater effluent and mixture of freshwater and saltwater.
This involves a three-step process:
- Removal of solids through filtration
- Desalination using reverse osmosis
- Disinfection and removal of remaining chemicals using the TrojanUVPhox™ solution with ultraviolet light and hydrogen peroxide
Under the most severe drought ranking issued by the National Drought Mitigation Center for the past three years, Cambria had invoked mandatory water conservation measures for its residents, including the prohibition of all outdoor water irrigation using potable water, limiting residential water use to no more than 50 gallons per person per day, and reducing commercial water use by 20%, all of which were accompanied by strict fines for non-compliance.
The CCSD implemented a strategy for an emergency water supply system, which became operational in January 2015, and is intended to get through challenging drought periods. The system is designed for the reuse of wastewater for augmentation of drinking water supplies, a process known as indirect potable reuse, and is a means of achieving a sustainable water supply and protection against drought.
While the plant is currently operating under an emergency permit, the CCSD is looking at making the system a permanent solution and believe it could also be a possibility for other communities experiencing similar issues.
The CCSD emergency water supply plant has been shortlisted for the Desalination Plant of the Year award by Global Water Awards 2015, which represents the most impressive technical or ecologically sustainable achievement in the industry. The winners will be announced on April 27, 2015 at a ceremony at the Nasioutzik Museum in Athens, Greece.
Related Information:
- Drought Solution Possibly Discovered in Cambria, ABC 30 Action News