New Tech in Water Treatment Considered at Foothills

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New Tech in Water Treatment Considered at Foothills

Denver Water experts consider industry innovations while planning for routine maintenance.

By Cathy Proctor

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Grains of  Ceralite, a manufactured ceramic material that helps filter contaminants out of water. The material is part of tests underway at the Foothills Treatment Plant. Image Source: Denver Water Tap

Replacing the filters in a water treatment plant is a routine piece of maintenance that occurs every 15 to 20 years.

And time’s just about up for the existing 8-inch layer of sand and 20-inch layer of anthracite coal particles that line the 16 filter beds at Denver Water’s Foothills Treatment Plant.

This also signals an opportunity for Denver Water’s experts to check out the latest technology on the market and consider the best way to improve the plant’s operation.

“In an effort to be the best utility in the nation, we’re looking to see what’s out there in new technology for the water industry and testing what works for us,” said Dave Swendensky, who manages the Foothills plant.

Denver Water is currently testing a new generation of materials that may be part of the new filter layers, including testing proprietary clay material mined in Norway and a ceramic material made by an American company. Technicians and scientists also are running tests to see if using deeper layers of sand and anthracite coal particles would be more efficient.

Finding a more efficient way to treat water could save money by reducing the cost to operate the plant.

Source: Denver Water Tap

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