Challenge

In response to population increases and summer drought conditions experienced in the municipalities surrounding Los Angeles, the West Valley Water District was forced to search for additional water sources and to consider bringing two known perchlorate-contaminated wells back on line.

The percholorate levels in the well water supply were above the California action limit of 4 parts per billion.  It is believed that the perchlorate resulted from a munitions manufacturer originally located north of Rialto.

Solution

In June 2003, Siemens Water Technologies initiated a three-year service contract to treat perchlorate contamination in the 2000 gpm, public drinking water supply.  Siemens provided a complete turnkey contract which includes HP-1220 low-flow vessels (1000 gpm), resin and resin destruction through waste-to-energy disposal.

The system utilizes two trains of two vessels in a lead/lag formation. The HP-1220 vessels are carbon steel construction designed for permanent location at the site. Resin is removed from the vessels by OSHA-trained service technicians utilizing Siemens' specialized sluicing equipment.

Results

Since 2003 the system has processed more than 3 billion gallons of water and removing perchlorate to non detect levels in the system effluent.

Siemens vessel design also decreases the visibility of the system equipment located in a light industrial/residential neighborhood.  The vessels are shorter in height and have a greater diameter tthan is typically used in the industry, resulting in lower pressure drops across the resin bed.

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