When a Project Requires a Texas-Sized Solution!

CHALLENGE

Summary

Through a competitive bid process, Newterra was selected by the San Antonio Water System (SAWS) to supply an Activated Carbon Treatment System to proactively remove total organic carbon (TOCs) and trihalomethanes (THMs) from more than five million gallons of water per day. The system will treat source water from Canyon Lake, a nearby potable surface water supply. The system will also reduce the potential for the formation of disinfection byproducts (DBP) in the distribution system and ensure compliance with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Stage 2 DBP regulations.

The Client

The San Antonio Water System (SAWS) is the largest drinking water and sewage utility in Bexar County, Texas, USA. Based in the Midtown Brackenridge district of San Antonio, SAWS draws water from the Edwards Aquifer to service its customers in all eight counties of the Greater San Antonio metropolitan area.

The Challenge

What makes this project so unique is though Newterra has been manufacturing the popular Dual-Vessel CP 20K-10 System for years, in this case, it was the first time a client required a complete system on a skid. “We specifically engineered each skid to ship on a single flatbed truck. Plus, the skids simplify the setup process and help reduce labor costs,” said one Newterra representative. To achieve this, each skid had to be specifically engineered to ship on a single flatbed truck. As a built-in bonus, the skid system
configuration simplified the setup process and helped significantly reduce labor costs.

SOLUTION

Newterra supplied three activated carbon dual-vessel skid systems capable of purifying more than five million gallons of water daily. Dual-vessel activated carbon adsorption systems like these are ideal for municipal water purification since they can contain from 20,000 to 80,000 lbs of activated carbon for
treatment. By increasing the amount of carbon online, a system needs less frequent media changeouts. In addition, varying vessel diameters and heights allow the users to select the system that best fits their available footprint. Interconnecting 12-valve pipe racks allow the dual-vessel systems to run in parallel or lead-lag. Pipe rack systems can include pressure relief valves, pressure gauges to monitor each vessel, and sample valves.

RESULTS

Newterra also included operational training for Saws employees to round off the contract. Municipal drinking water providers like SAWS are more and more looking to quickly come into regulatory compliance or solve other potable water problems. Newterra offers municipalities options to purchase or rent reliable adsorption and filtration vessels and other water-related equipment. Newterra also provides aftermarket services and support, including spent activated carbon changeout and disposal.