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Activated Carbon Potable Water

When a Project Requires a Texas-Sized Solution!

Newterra delivers a classic technology package with a new twist.

The Newterra TIGG Dual-Vessel Skidded Systems helps minimize the formation of disinfection byproducts

Industry

Municipal

Location

San Antonio, Texas

Capacity

> 5 million gpd

Installed

2013

Summary

Newterra’s CP20k systems prevail

Through a competitive bid process, Newterra® (TIGG, LLC) was selected by the San Antonio Water System (SAWS) to provide an Activated Carbon Treatment System for removing total organic carbon (TOCs) and trihalomethanes (THMs) from over five million gallons of water per day. The system treats source water from Canyon Lake, a key potable surface water supply, while also mitigating the formation of disinfection byproducts (DBPs) in the distribution system to ensure compliance with EPA Stage 2 DBP regulations.

The Client

San Antonio Water System (SAWS)

The San Antonio Water System (SAWS) is the largest drinking water and wastewater utility in Bexar County, Texas. Based in the Midtown Brackenridge district of San Antonio, SAWS primarily sources its water from the Edwards Aquifer to serve customers across eight counties in the Greater San Antonio metropolitan area.

The challenge

SAWS required a fully skid-mounted activated carbon treatment system

This project marked a significant milestone for Newterra TIGG. While the TIGG Dual-Vessel CP 20K-10 System has been widely used, this was the first time a client required a fully skid-mounted system.

“We specifically engineered each skid to be transported on a single flatbed truck, simplifying the setup process and significantly reducing labor costs,” said a Newterra representative. This innovative approach ensured a streamlined installation while maintaining the system’s high-performance standards.

Solution

Newterra supplied three systems designed for easy transport, quick setup, and optimized performance.

Newterra supplied three activated carbon dual-vessel skid systems, each capable of treating over five million gallons of water daily. These dual-vessel adsorption systems are ideal for municipal water treatment, accommodating 20,000 to 80,000 lbs of activated carbon to extend operational life and minimize media changeouts.

The system was designed for flexibility, featuring varying vessel diameters and heights to fit different facility footprints. Additionally, interconnecting 12-valve pipe racks allow operators to run the system in either parallel or lead-lag configurations, optimizing performance. Each pipe rack system includes:

Sample valves for water quality testing

Pressure relief valves for safety

Pressure gauges for real-time monitoring

Results

SAWS now benefits from a high-capacity, flexible water treatment system

Beyond delivering the system, Newterra TIGG provided comprehensive operational training for SAWS employees, ensuring long-term efficiency and compliance. As more municipalities seek cost-effective solutions for regulatory compliance and potable water challenges, Newterra TIGG remains a trusted partner, offering both purchase and rental options for adsorption and filtration systems.

Additionally, aftermarket services, including spent activated carbon changeout and disposal, ensure continued system effectiveness.

We Are Here to Help

Partner with Newterra to maximize your water resources. Together, we’ll design solutions specific to your needs in the food and beverage industry, boosting your efficiency and driving success.

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