Challenge

In March 2006, members of the San Jerardo, CA community reported skin rashes from water use.  Upon testing the water, nitrates and trichloropropane (TCP) were both found to be at levels well above the regulatory limit.  High levels of nitrates are common in many wells, and it is believed that the surrounding agricultural area led to the TCP contamination.  Drinking water regulations require nitrate to be less than 45 ppm and TCP less than 5 ppt. At the time of testing, the nitrate level was at 78 ppm and TCP was at 80 ppt.

Solution

Siemens Water Technologies was able to provide an immediate treatment solution in less than six weeks following notification from the community.  The system included a PV® high pressure liquid phase absorption system with dual activated carbon media for treatment of the TCP, followed by an additional PV unit containing ion exchange resin to treat the nitrates. A nitrate analyzer was included to monitor the nitrate levels and detect when that tank’s resin was exhausted and required exchange.

Results

Siemens Water Technologies was able to respond to the situation and install a system in less than six weeks to lower TCP from 80 ppt to regulation levels. 
The Siemens’ solution allowed the San Jerardo Water District to respond quickly and to continue to utilize the existing well safely. The treatment system is intended for temporary usage until the customer secures a new water source.

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