Distributed Smart Water Treatment (DSWT) Systems:
The UCLA Distributed Smart Water Systems (DSWT) project focuses on the development, deployment, and operation of multiple wellhead water treatment systems for purification (e.g., nitrate removal) and salinity reduction. These membrane-based water treatment systems were installed to upgrade the community well water to provide safe drinking water to the residents of the project communities. The water treatment systems were designed and sized to meet the water quality requirements and water capacity needs of the residents.
The project, funded by the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), includes the installation, commissioning, and operation of the water treatment systems to demonstrate the techno-economic feasibility of the approach of remote operation and monitoring of Distributed Drinking Water Treatment Systems in small, disadvantaged communities (DACs) in the Salinas Valley. Installation, operation, and monitoring of the water treatment systems are regulated by the Monterey County Department of Health (MCDH) with oversight by CWRB.
Project Goals:
- Demonstrate the effectiveness of remote operation and monitoring of reverse-osmosis (RO)-based water treatment for nitrate removal and salinity reduction
- Demonstrate the suitability of the community septic tank for handling the nitrate-laden treatment system residual stream
- Demonstrate the ability to effectively manage multiple water treatment systems that are geographically separate but virtually networked (autonomous but remotely monitored/operated).
- Evaluate the operational costs of water treatment systems and the potential benefits of economies of scale
- Work with stakeholders to implement the various project phases toward the common goal of providing a sustainable long-term solution for safe local drinking water for small remote communities.
Project Concept:
Small community wellhead water treatment system concept
Major steps in deployment and field operation of RO Treatment for Nitrate removal from impaired groundwater in Small Remote Communities:
- Integrated efforts (government, industry, academic sectors) for RO field deployment;
- Establish sustainable operating conditions in harmony with site-specific conditions (e.g., source water characteristics, septic tank capacity) and regulatory compliance;
- Field operation to establish cost-effectiveness and performance of distributed RO treatment systems; and
- Demonstrate the use of the community septic tank for handling nitrate-laden RO residual stream.