| Water Efficiency
Water Efficiency in Water Reclamation
Operations:
Clayton County Water Authority Practices What It Preaches
By: Neal Wellons, Clayton County Water Authority, and Judy Adler P.E.,
P2AD
It is essential for water and wastewater utilities to serve as
examples of responsible water users as they encourage their communities
to conserve water. Clayton County Water Authority recognized the
importance of practicing what it preached, and decided to look
at its own operations for water efficiency opportunities. Many
years ago, Clayton County started metering water use at water reclamation
(wastewater treatment) facilities. The county was amazed that a
small wastewater treatment plant was using more water than the
local paint factory!
Clayton County Water Authority performed a water audit at all
of its water reclamation facilities, and identified opportunities
for water efficiency. Water audits revealed that a large volume
of potable water was used for nonpotable applications. Following
are a few examples of water efficiency measures implemented at
the facilities, most of which involve substituting reclaimed water
for potable water.
· Saved 1,200,000 gallons/month at the W.B. Casey Water
Reclamation Facility (WRF) by converting chlorinators to reuse
water.
· Saved 650,000 gallons/month at the Northeast WRF by using
reuse water for polymer mix and sludge press belt wash.
· Saved 90,000 gallons/month at the Casey WRF by changing
water seal pumps to mechanical seal pumps.
· Saved 17,000,000 gallons/month at biosolids pelletizing
plant by using reclaimed water for scrubber/dust removal system
and sludge press belt wash.
The Clayton County Water Authority has long been recognized as
a leader in the water industry for its environmentally sound approach
to water and wastewater services. In addition to water conservation,
Clayton County’s pollution prevention programs include beneficial
reuse of treated wastewater for forest irrigation, and the conversion
of wastewater biosolids to marketable compost and fertilizer products.
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