Groundbreaking water treatment research advances potable reuse technologiesThe image shown are for illustration purposes only.Credit: Pablo Gonz...
Published on by Water Network Research, Official research team of The Water Network

The image shown are for illustration purposes only.
Credit: Pablo Gonzalez-Cebrian/SWM
WRF-funded study validates treatment performance for safer, more sustainable potable reuse systems.
A pioneering research study by a multidisciplinary team of researchers, engineers, and utilities has been completed, providing clear guidance for pathogen reduction in carbon-based advanced treatment (CBAT) water systems. Funded by The Water Research Foundation (WRF), project 5129 focuses specifically on innovative approaches to ozone and biologically activated carbon (BAC) filtration processes for potable reuse applications.
The project titled "Demonstration of Innovation to Improve Pathogen Removal, Validation, and/or Monitoring in Carbon-Based Advanced Treatment for Potable Reuse" was led by Principal Investigator Andrew Salveson of Carollo Engineers. The comprehensive study delivers critical insights for water utilities seeking alternatives to reverse osmosis-based treatment systems.
The research was conducted in collaboration with Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HRSD) in Virginia, and Mekorot, Israel's national water company, providing international perspective and extensive operational data. The study was further strengthened by the participation of key water reuse utilities, including the Clay County Utility Authority, Polk County Utilities, and the City of Altamonte Springs (Florida), as well as the City of South Jordan (Utah). This cross-section of utilities contributed to the broad applicability of the findings.
The comprehensive study delivers critical insights for water utilities seeking alternatives to reverse osmosis-based treatment systems
The multi-year study validated a novel approach using an ozone to total organic carbon ratio after accounting for the nitrite demand on ozone [(O₃-NO₂):TOC] as an effective dose control method. This innovative approach optimizes energy use by reducing the required ozone dose while achieving effective pathogen reduction, resulting in lower utility operational costs. Furthermore, it minimizes bromate formation, a regulated disinfection byproduct that must be controlled in drinking water systems to meet public health standards, while maintaining robust virus disinfection levels.
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https://smartwatermagazine.com/news/carollo-engineers/groundbreaking-water-treatment-research-advances-potable-reuse-technologies-0Taxonomy
- Potable
- Treatment
- Research
- Reuse
- Water Utility
- Florida, United States
- water treatment