HomeMy WebLinkAboutDPR Research Plan for CDPH Expert Panel_v3.6 July 2014California Direct Potable Reuse Initiative
Research Plan
WATE USE WATE SE
RESEARCH CALIFORNIA
California Direct Potable Reuse Initiative - WRRF Research Plan 1 2014
Section 1: Background, Drivers, and Participants of the DPR Initiative
Goal of DPR Initiative
The WateReuse Research Foundation (WRRF) and WateReuse California (WRCA) have
launched the CA Direct Potable Reuse (DPR) Initiative to establish DPR as a water supply
option that is protective of public health and can be regulated by state agencies, can be
implemented by water utilities in a safe and cost - effective manner, and is acceptable to the
public.
Purpose of Research Plan
The purpose of this document is to guide the research of the DPR Initiative so that it can
provide information for regulators, utilities, and communities as they consider the
implementation of potable reuse in the State of California. The plan can be used as a model
nationally and internationally for regions considering DPR.
What is DPR?
DPR is the introduction of highly treated reclaimed water directly into the raw water supply
immediately upstream of a water treatment plant, or into the distribution system
downstream of a water treatment plant. To date, proposals have been to introduce DPR
water into a water treatment plant intake rather than into the distribution system. While
identical in many aspects to indirect potable reuse (IPR) with full advanced treatment, DPR
eliminates the passage of the treated water through an environmental buffer —such as a
groundwater aquifer or a reservoir (below). The direct passage of treated water to the
drinking water system is the main characteristic distinguishing it from the indirect path of
IPR.
A. Indirect Potable Reuse
Advanced Water
WTP or
Treatment
Distribution
Facility
system
Environmental buffer
(aquifer or reservoir)
B. Direct Potable Reuse
Advanced Water
WTP or
Treatment
Engineered
Distribution
buffer
Facility
system
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Despite the similarities between the two systems, DPR presents significant new benefits and
challenges. By eliminating the environmental buffer, DPR can significantly reduce the energy
and cost requirements, maintain the high water quality of the advanced treated water, and
remove the need for a suitable aquifer or reservoir, which are not available in all locations.
Eliminating the buffer also poses important new challenges. DPR loses the benefits from the
environmental buffer, namely (1) decreased contaminant removal, (2) decreased blending
and dilution, and (3) shortened time period to detect and respond to treatment failures.
Determining how to design and operate DPR systems to overcome these challenges
represents an important technical and regulatory hurdle. The public health risks from DPR
may differ from IPR, and the system must adapt to meet these differences. Beyond health
considerations, DPR must also be cost - effective and acceptable to the public, the ultimate
consumers of DPR.
These issues become more complex when considering the fact that DPR also exists in
various forms. DPR product water can either be added to the influent of a drinking water
treatment plant or pumped directly into a treated water distribution system. Given that these
two scenarios provide different levels of treatment, the requirements for different DPR
configurations should also be appropriately adjusted.
For DPR to move forward, research must address the needs of the three main groups of
stakeholders: (1) regulators, (2) utilities, and (3) communities. Each group (and its
consultants) has its own set of issues, though significant overlap exists between the groups.
For regulators, the key concern is ensuring that DPR regulations are protective of public
health. In their presentations, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has
discussed two paths to achieving safe DPR systems. In Path 1, they discuss the use of (1)
multiple barriers to minimize the chance of a complete treatment failure and (2) infallible
treatment verification monitoring. In Path 2, they discuss the use of redundant barriers to
provide supernumerary (i.e., above the minimum) log reduction capacity to compensate for
any lack of reliability in the treatment, monitoring, or failure response component of the
scheme so that the risk of inadequate treatment is miniscule. In both cases, the end goal is
the same —a reliable DPR system, i.e., one that protects public health. Reliability is therefore
the key concept for regulators.
Of the three groups, the utilities need to address the broadest range of concerns for DPR.
Not only are they beholden to regulatory requirements, but they must ensure that DPR can
be accomplished in a cost - effective manner while also being acceptable to the communities
that they serve. Research needs for the utilities therefore spans regulatory issues,
economics, and public acceptance.
Finally, the consumers of DPR water —the communities —must also be involved for the
success of DPR. Communities are aware of the wastewater origin of DPR water, and are
rightfully concerned about safety. Research is also needed therefore to understand what
obstacles communities face in accepting DPR as a new drinking water resource.
Drivers for California DPR lnitia ti ve
The California DPR Initiative was developed to address the obstacles to DPR and to move it
forward as a viable means to expand our water supply. The Initiative sees that DPR has the
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potential to provide a sustainable and cost - competitive water supply option that is less
energy- intensive than many alternative options. This new path forward is very timely given
the decline in traditional water supply sources along with growing demand.
Another main driver for DPR is legislative action. The State of California's Recycled Water
Policy established aggressive goals to increase recycled water production in order to help
meet the State's overall water supply goal (by 2020, increase recycled water use by 1
million acre -feet per year over 2002 levels). Initially, the main tool to achieve this goal was
the expansion of non - potable reuse, though it has become clear that the goal cannot be met
through non - potable reuse alone. IPR has also provided a new opportunity for achieving this
goal, though IPR itself has limitations that preclude its use in certain situations. Many
communities without suitable groundwater aquifers or reservoirs, communities who have
maximized their non - potable options, and communities that have exhausted all other water
supply options could benefit from DPR.
The most significant legislation pushing DPR forward has been SB 918. In addition to
advancing regulations for IPR, SB 918 also requires the State to evaluate the feasibility of
DPR by the end of 2016. The California DPR Initiative aims to contribute to this movement
by providing information for regulators, utilities and communities as they consider the
implementation of potable reuse in the State of California.
The Initiative has identified seven strategies to achieve this goal:
1. Define the agenda for needed DPR research
2. Raise funds to support the research program
3. Commission DPR research studies
4. Use research findings to develop communication, education, and awareness
programs
5. Recruit partners to disseminate the message and coalesce DPR support
6. Develop and education and outreach agenda and programs for key stakeholders
7. Establish practice and technical recommendations for utilities to adapt and adopt
DPR
The focus of this document is on the first of the seven strategies: defining the agenda for
DPR research. The following sections provide a framework for meeting the research needs
of the three main DPR stakeholders: regulators, utilities, and communities.
Key Participants in DPR Initiative
The WRRF and WRCA launched the California DPR Initiative in 2012 to provide leadership
and direction in the field of DPR, a practical solution to water scarcity and water
stewardship. The Initiative strives to provide needed information through both research and
education & outreach.
WRRF - Research
The research side of the initiative is led by WRRF, whose mission is to conduct and promote
applied research on the reclamation, recycling, reuse, and desalination of water. The
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Research Foundation is an educational, nonprofit public benefit 501(c)(3) corporation that
conducts applied research on behalf of the water and wastewater community for the
purpose of advancing the science of water reuse, recycling, reclamation, and desalination.
The Foundation's research covers a broad spectrum of issues, including chemical
contaminants, microbiological agents, treatment technologies, salinity management, public
perception, economics and marketing. The Foundation's research supports communities
across the United States and abroad in their efforts to create new sources of high quality
water while protecting public health and the environment. In the context of the DPR
Initiative, the main goal of WRRF is to support the Panel's evaluation of DPR feasibility per
SB 918, and to support possible future draft regulations as appropriate.
The selection and management of research projects, including those in the DPR program, in
addition to the organization of the Foundation, are described in detail in the Foundation's
Operating Plan
( http: / /www.watereuse.o rg/sites/ default / files /u8 /Operating_Plan_2010.pdf). In summary,
research projects are determined on an annual basis by the Research Advisory Committee
(RAC) and are approved by the Board of Directors. The RAC, comprised of 32 technical
experts from around the world, meets in the beginning of each year to select and /or develop
proposed research projects that reflect priority issues from the Foundation's research
agenda. The RAC reviews a summary, completed by staff, of the collected information to
date from research needs workshops (e.g. DPR workshop 12/12/12), Subscriber
surveys /workshops, the Board, and other sources including the RAC members themselves.
A list of priority projects for funding consideration under the Solicited Research Program is
created and presented for approval by the Board.
Once approved, an assigned Project Manager (PM) forms a Project Advisory Committee
(PAC) of 4 -6 technical experts representing water and wastewater utilities, government
agencies, consulting firms, etc. PACs are volunteers that provide expert peer review and
technical oversight on Foundation research projects. The PM and PAC use the project
description approved by the Board to develop a Request for Proposal (RFP). RFPs are posted
for competitive bid on the Foundation's website and are promoted through news releases
and by the WateReuse Association. PACs review proposals and come to a consensus
recommendation for the project award. If there are any shortcomings of the selected
proposal, award conditions are provided that the selected contractor must address in a
revised scope of work.
Once a funding agreement is negotiated between The Foundation and the project team, the
project commences. Quarterly progress reports are submitted to the Foundation and
reviewed by the PAC to ensure the project progresses as expected. The contractor is
responsible for addressing any of the PACs concerns during the project. The research team,
PAC, and PM typically meet in person at least once during the project for a workshop, kickoff
meeting, or at the end of the project to discuss project scope and conclusions. At the end of
the project, the team submits a final report in addition to any other deliverables as stated in
the RFP, which goes through several reviews prior to publication.
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WRCA - Education and Outreach
Education and outreach activities are led by WRCA. The purpose of these activities is to
provide information about DPR to support decision - making by stakeholders at State,
regional and local level, and to develop information to support the education and outreach
activities undertaken by the utilities. Phases II and II of the project WRRF -13 -02 will take on
the outreach activities in select communities and state wide.
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Section 2: Research Path to achieve DPR Initiative's goal
To achieve the 2016 goal of SB 918, regulatory, scientific, technical, and attitudinal barriers
to DPR need to be removed and /or addressed. Overcoming these hurdles requires
undertaking three main tasks:
1. Conduct rigorous scientific research
2. Communicate the research findings through public awareness programs
3. Work with regulatory authorities to facilitate DPR implementation by local water
utilities
To accomplish these tasks in the most effective manner, a research framework for ensuring
the integration and complementarity of these tasks is needed. This framework is meant to
provide a structure for determining important research focuses and to aid in assigning
research priorities. All of the research must serve the principal goal of understanding the
feasibility of the future of DPR in California. Given the varying needs of the main
stakeholders, the research framework needs to be broad enough to cover the concerns of
each group, while maintaining a global vision that allows the groups to achieve their shared
goals.
Research Framework 1: Regulatory Concerns
To address the regulatory concerns, the research framework should focus on the ultimate
goal of DPR systems - the provision of a safe and reliable potable supply. As stated above,
reliability in the DPR setting is defined as the provision of a potable supply that is protective
of public health at all times. To achieve reliability, a number of supporting concepts can be
used including redundancy, robustness, and resilience. The DPR process (including source
control, treatment, monitoring, operations, training, maintenance, etc.) can achieve
reliability by incorporating these three factors into system design and operation. A reliable
DPR process incorporates redundancy (i.e., the use of multiple barriers to control acute
risks) and robustness (i.e., capacity to remove a wide range of contaminants) to control
microbial and chemical risks under typical operation scenarios. In addition, DPR facilities
must also be resilient to ensure reliability even during rare failure events. A resilient system
is not a system that never fails, but a system that fails safely, meaning that it responds to
failure by preventing the distribution (and consumption) of all water that does not meet
requirements. In ensuring the provision of safe DPR water, redundancy, robustness, and
resilience all contribute to reliability.
The research plan can support the regulatory aspects of DPR by focusing on the reliability
framework. Examples of specific research products that could be important guideposts
toward this are raised in the following bullet points. It should be emphasized that this list of
research products is not exhaustive.
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Reliability
• Develop concepts that draw upon the existing regulatory framework for drinking
water to establish the definition of reliability in potable reuse
• Define treatment requirements for chemicals and pathogens of health significance
• Develop on -line monitoring strategies for each unit process and demonstrate
application
Redundancy
• Define the benefits of the multi- barrier concept to ensure public health protection
• Describe the balance between redundancy, monitoring, and storage, and how they
work together to ensure reliability
• Define what level of redundant (supernumerary) treatment is necessary to ensure
reliability, particularly for CDPH Path 2
• Design of engineered buffers
Robustness
• Develop guidelines for an acceptable DPR source water
• Determine robust treatment schemes that are best suited to address unknown
challenges
• Develop strategy to determine how to quantify the sense of the unknown with CECs
Resilience
• Determine appropriate resilient strategies to ensure reliability in extreme events
Research Framework 2.- Utility Concerns
The research needed to address utility concerns is the broadest of the three stakeholder
groups, given their interaction with both regulatory issues (Framework 1) and community
issues (Framework 3). Utilities also have a number of unique research needs that are
specific to their issues, mainly focusing on the economic and technical feasibility of DPR
systems. Research Framework 2 therefore focuses on overcoming the specific technical and
economic obstacles that currently affect DPR implementation.
Examples of specific research products that could be important guideposts toward this are
raised in the following bullet points. It should be emphasized that this list of research
products is not exhaustive.
Economic and Technical
• Identify methods to reduce the cost (and energy intensity) of DPR treatment
• Identify alternative treatment trains that meet public health criteria
• Identify non -RO DPR treatment options to eliminate need for brine disposal
• Develop DPR training and operational plans
• Product water aesthetics: taste and odor
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Research Framework 3: Community Concerns
Addressing community concerns represents a significant challenge in achieving the goal of
widespread public acceptance for DPR. Research is needed to explore and assess the
critical concerns among community members and survey attitudes about DPR. Activities
would include gauging the general understanding of DPR, identifying the primary concerns,
and developing educational and communication tools that support acceptance. Learning
how members of the community respond to the idea of DPR — emotionally and objectively —
and focusing in on their main concerns are key pieces in understanding public perception
and developing the tools and messages that will support acceptance.
The emphasis of Research Framework 3 should be Awareness, Education and Acceptance.
Research in this area would include various assessment, in -depth interviews, surveying,
focus groups, and communication research (message testing and evaluation). The areas of
research could include:
• Identify and clarify health and safety concerns related DPR
• Identify concerns about reliability (What happens if something goes wrong ?)
• Develop communication tools to address emotional and intellectual concerns
• Develop a public outreach framework and messages that can be adapted by utilities
for a variety of community audiences.
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Section 3: Current WateReuse Research Foundation DPR Research Projects
In 2011, WRRF began its program specifically geared towards DPR with funding research
identified by WateReuse's Direct Potable Reuse: A Path Forward, the 2012 NRC report on
potable reuse, and the investors of the California DPR Initiative. These six projects (WRRF -
11-01, 11 -02, 11 -05, 11 -10, 12 -06, and 12 -07), representing over $3.8 million in research,
created a solid foundation exploring the viability of DPR. Significant findings and conclusions
will arise from these initial DPR projects and will help steer future DPR research.
In the meantime, WRRF and WRCA hosted a DPR Research Needs Workshop at West
Basin's Edward C. Little Water Recycling Facility in December 2012 to identify research gaps
to be addressed in new research. Attended by more than 50 (Appendix A) international
leaders in potable reuse, the workshop divided the experts in industry, academics,
consulting, and regulators into four strategic breakout groups (Operations, Quality
Assurance, Treatment Technology, and Public Acceptance). Descriptions for 22 projects
resulted and were ranked by the workshop attendees.
This ranked list was submitted to the Foundation's Research Advisory Committee (RAC) for
review and selection at their January 2013 meeting. The RAC further developed four projects
addressing regulatory, utility, and community concerns. This 2013 DPR research approved
by the Board (WRRF- 13 -02, 13 -03, 13 -12, 13 -13) totals $1,000,000 and is funded by the
CA DPR Initiative donors as well as Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. This
program is further enhanced by collaboration with the Water Research Foundation
(WaterRF), who is funding and managing an additional two projects (WRF4536 and 4506) at
$600,000.
The RAC again met in January 2014 and added more important research to address
remaining gaps in DPR. The RAC built off of existing projects and recommended research to
develop four new solicited research projects to be started in 2014. Those 2014 projects
along with 3 additional Tailored Collaboration DPR projects add another $4.5 million to the
DPR program to address technical and public acceptance concerns with DPR.
The Foundation's 19 DPR projects initiated in 2014 or before total $10.4 million in research
to evaluate and demonstrate the feasibility of DPR (Table 1). A detailed description of the
current DPR research portfolio is presented in Appendix B.
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Table 1. WRRF DPR Research Program 2011 - 2014
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1111.
Principal
Expected
WRRF
In Kind
Project #
Research Project Title
Research Focus
Investigator
Publication
contribution
Contribution
WRRF -11 -01
Monitoring for Reliability and Process Control of
Ian Pepper, University
Regulatory - Process
Dec -15
$400,000
$1,298,817
Potable Reuse Applications
of Arizona
Reliability
WRRF -11 -02
Equivalency of Advanced Treatment Trains for Potable
Rhodes Trussell,
Regulatory -
Jul -15
$375,000
$868,000
Reuse
Trussell Technologies
Treatment
Demonstrating the Benefits of Engineered Direct
Glen Boyd,
Community,
WRRF -11 -05
Potable Reuse versus Unintentional Indirect Potable
The Cadmus Group Inc
Regulatory
May -14
$49,558
$10,000
Reuse Systems
WRRF -11 -10
Evaluation of Risk Reduction Principles for Direct
Andy Salveson, Carollo
Regulatory -
Jun -14
$73,407
$71,555
Potable Reuse
Engineers
Treatment
WRRF -12 -06
Guidelines for Engineered Storage for Direct Potable
Andy Salveson, Carollo
Regulatory -
Treatment,
Jun -15
$100,000
$111,788
Reuse
Engineers
Community, Utility
WRRF -12 -07
Methods for Integrity Testing of N F and RO Membranes
Joe Jacangelo, MWH
Regulatory - Process
Feb -16
$300,000
$296,965
Reliability
Mark Millan, Data
WRRF -13 -02
Model Public Communication Plan for Advancing DPR
Instincts; Patsy
Community
Sep -14
$337,125
$272,606
Acceptance
Tennyson, Katz &
Associates
Critical Control Point assessment to quantify robustness
Troy Walker, Hazen &
Regulatory - Process
WRRF -13 -03
and reliability of multiple treatment barriers of DPR
Sawyer
Reliability
Feb -16
$300,000
$238,969
scheme
WRRF-13-12
Evaluation of Source Water Control Options and the
Alan Rimer, Black &
Utility, Regulatory
Feb -16
$150,000
$81,150
Impact of Selected Strategies on DPR
I
Veatch
Development of Operation and Maintenance Plan and
Troy Walker, Hazen &
WRRF -13 -13
Training and Certification Framework for Direct Potable
Utility
Feb -16
$250,000
$85,000
Reuse (DPR) Systems
Sawyer
WRRF -13 -14
Assessment of Techniques to Evaluate and
Channah Rock,
(WRF4508)
Demonstrate the Safety of Water from Direct Potable
University of Arizona
Utility, Regulatory
Feb -16
$275,000
$144,177
Reuse Treatment Facilities
WRRF -13 -15
Blending Requirements for Water from Direct Potable
Andy Salveson, Carollo
Utility
Feb -16
$325,000
$403,310
(WRF4536)
Reuse Treatment Facilities
Engineers
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WRRF -14 -01
Integrated Management of Sensor Data for Real Time
TBD
Regulatory - Process
TBD
$300,000
TBD
Decision Making and Response
Reliability
WRRF -14 -02
Establishing additional log reduction credits for WWTPs
TBD
Regulatory -
TBD
$400,000
TBD
Treatment
Develop Methology of comprehensive (fiscal /triple
WRRF -14 -03
bottom line) analysis of alternative water supply
TBD
Utility
TBD
$250,000
TBD
projects compared to DPR
WRRF -14 -08
Economics of DPR
Bob Raucher, Stratus
Utility
Jul -14
$25,000
0
Consulting
Enhanced Pathogen and Pollutant Monitoring of the
WRRF -14 -10
Colorado River Municipal Water District Raw Water
Eva Stein le-Darling,
Regulatory
Feb -16
$100,000
$561,755
Production Facility at Big Spring Texas
Carollo
WRRF -14 -12
Failsafe Potable Reuse Project at the City of San Diego's
Shane Trussell, Trussell
Utility, Regulatory
Dec 16
n/a
$3,088,313
Advanced Water Purification Demonstration Facility
Technologies
WRA -14 -01
Developing Direct Potable Reuse Guidelines
Jeff Mosher, NWRI
Regulatory
14 -Dec
$53,120
0
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The DPR research projects in Table 1 are identified into the three main research focuses,
displayed graphically in the Venn diagram in Figure 2. All of this DPR research is highly
complementary of each other and must be closely coordinated to share approach and
results throughout the duration of the project work. WRRF coordinates biannual meetings
with the project teams of these DPR projects to encourage communication and avoid
duplication. Figure 3 shows the project duration of the 19 DPR projects underway (green is
expected).
Figure 2. Venn Diagram of Reliability Framework
Regulatory
14 -10 11 -01 14 -03
11 -10 14 -02 13 -03
-- - -
12-07-- - --
14- 1214 -01 11 -05
13 -12
13 -13 12 -06
13 -1A 11 -02
14 -05 1 13 -02
13 -13'
Utility Comm
14 -08
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Figure 3: Current DPR Research Timelines
DPR Project 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
1 1 2 1 3 1 4 1 1 2 1 3 1 4 1 1 2 1 3 1 4 1 1 2 1 3 1 4 1
11 -01 Sensors
11 -02 Treatment
Train
11 -05 DPR
Benefits
11 -10 Risk
Reduction
12 -06 Engineered
Storage
12 -07 Membrane
Integrity
13 -02
Communication
13 -03 CCP
Assessment
13 -12 Source
Water
13 -13 Operations
Plan
WaterRF 4536
Blending
WaterRF 4508
DPR Water Safety
14 -01 Management
of Sensor Data
14 -02 Log Red
Credits for WWTPs
14 -03 TBL Analysis
of Alt Water
14 -08 Economics
of DPR
14 -10 Monitoring at
Big Spring, TX
14 -12 San Diego
Demonstration
WRA 14 -01 DPR
Guidelines
J
J
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Section 4: Future Research and Next Steps
New DPR research will be initiated in the end of 2014 and beyond to ensure gaps are filled
to illustrate the feasibility of DPR. Several sources will be considered for this new research,
most importantly recommendations from the expert panel. After funding six projects in 2013
and four in 2014 and incorporating/combining descriptions, four out of the original 22
research projects proposed at the 12/12/12 DPR Workshop remain (Table 2). These will be
candidate projects for the RAC in their consideration of research to fund. Additionally, the
recommendations of the current 19 projects underway will come into clearer focus and will
be considered. To take advantage of the evolving knowledge, future DPR Research Needs
(through survey, panels, workshops, etc) will be considered to assess progress and redirect
research priorities towards promising paths. Input from the CDPH Expert Panel will be
utilized to steer new research.
Table 2. Remaining (unfunded) DPR Projects
Future Research Project Title
Source
Budget
Evaluation of Policies Integrating DPR and other Reuse
2014 RAC B list
$200,000
Strategies into Comprehensive Water Supply Planning
Project to support CA DPR Initiative Effort document 'process',
2014 RAC B list
$50,000
concerns, etc as learning document
White Paper: State of the Science Report on Antibiotic
2014 RAC B list
$25,000
Resistance in potable reuse applications
Develop concepts that draw upon the existing regulatory
NRC /DPR Path
framework for drinking water to establish the definition of
Forward
TBD
reliability in potable reuse
Identify non -RO DPR treatment options to eliminate need for
NRC /DPR Path
TBD
brine disposal
Forward
WRRF -11 -01 Monitoring for Reliability and Process Control of
Extension of
Potable Reuse Applications Expansion: Real -time Detection of
current project
$60,600
Viruses in Water
WRRF -11 -01 Monitoring for Reliability and Process Control of
Extension of
Potable Reuse Applications Expansion: Real -time Detection of
current project
$98475
Fluorescence
WRRF -11 -02 Equivalency of Advanced Treatment Trains for
Extension of
$200,000
Potable Reuse Expansion: Additional in vitro bioassay suite
current project
WRRF -12 -06 Guidelines for Engineered Storage Systems
Extension of
Expansion: Performing real -time emergency response to
current project
$40,000
treatment process or water quality failures
Performance Testing of the Colorado Municipal Water
proposed to 2014
$80,000
District's Raw Water Production Facility in Big Spring, TX
TC program, TBD
Dealing with reverse osmosis brine in applications with non-
12/12/12 DPR
Workshop (DPR-
TBD
ocean discharge
OP- 12 -01)
Reducing Energy Intensity of Advanced Treatment Methods
12/12/12 DPR
$1,000,000
for Recycling Water
Workshop (DPR -TT-
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12 -01)
Establishment of QA Requirements for Alternative DPR
12/12/12 DPR
Workshop (DPR-
$300,000-
Treatment Schemes
QA- 12 -03)
$350,0000
Evaluate the Feasibility of Using Odor compounds as
12/12/12 DPR
surrogates for monitoring low molecular weight particles that
Workshop (DPR-
TBD
may pass through MF & RO and Using Flavor Profile Analysis
QA- 12 -01)
(FPA)as part of this feasibility analysis.
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Appendix A: Attendees of 12/12/12 DPR Workshop held at West Basin
Municipal Water District
Last Name
First Name
Affliation
Bardowell
Phylyp
Office of Congresswoman Napolitano
Barnard
Randy
CA Department of Public Health
Bernados
Brian
CA Department of Public Health
Bishop
Jonathan
SWRCB
Brown
Garry
Orange County Coastkeeper
Bunts
Don
Santa Margarita Water District
Campos
Carlos
Suez Environment
Cline
Shonnie
Water Research Foundation
Cook
Paul
Irvine Ranch Water District
Cotruvo
Joseph
Joseph Cotruvo & Associates, LLC
Crozes
Gil
Carollo
Drewes
Jorg
Colorado School of Mines
Festger
Adam
Trojan Technologies
Fiedler
Jim
Santa Clara Valley Water District
Ghirelli
Bob
Orange County Sanitation District
Haddad
Brent
University of California, Santa Cruz
Hultquist
Robert
CA Department of Public Health
Infurnari
Mike
WateReuse Research Foundation
Jacangelo
Joe
MWH
Jones
Paul
Eastern Municipal Water District
LeChevallier
Mark
American Water
Lovell
Adam
Water Services Association of Australia
Macpherson
Linda
CH2M Hill
McDonald
Ellen
Alan Plummer & Associates
Millan
Mark
Data Instincts, Public Outreach Consultants
Miller
Wade
WateReuse Association
Minton
Julie
WateReuse Research Foundation
Mosher
Jeff
National Water Research Institute
Nagel
Richard
West Basin Municipal Water District
Nellor
Margie
Nellor Environmental Associates, Inc.
Owen
Doug
Malclm Pirnie, ARCADIS
Pettijohn
Dave
LADWP
Price
Kevin
USBR
Provencher
Lisette
United Water
Rayburn
Chris
Water Research Foundation
Richardson
Tom
RMC Water and Environment
Rossi
John
Western Municiapal Water District
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Ruiz
Hector
Trabuco Canyon Water District
Salveson
Andrew
Carollo
Smith
David
WateReuse California
Snyder
Shane
University of Arizona
Spivy -Weber
Fran
California State Water Resources Control
Board
Steele
Bill
USBR
Trejo
Reymundo
Upper San Gabriel Valley MWD
Tremblay
Ray
Los Angeles County Sanitation District
Trussell
Rhodes
Trussell Technologies
Trussell
Shane
Trussell Technologies
Wehner
Michael
Orange County Water District
Whitaker
Robb
Water Replenishment District of Southern CA
Wildermuth
Ron
West Basin Municipal Water District
Yamamoto
Gary
CA Department of Public Health
Zornes
Greta
ConocoPhillips
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Appendix B. DPR Research Project Details
1. W R R F- 11 -01, Monitoring for Reliability and Process Control of Potable Reuse
Applications (Contractor: University of Arizona)
The objective of this project is to identify, evaluate, test, and validate monitoring systems
that can be used to assure the public safety of potable reuse. The project is specifically
focused on real -time or near real -time monitoring for the removal of trace organics and
biological contaminants.
The project is comprised of three tasks: 1) state of knowledge and initial workshop, 2)
laboratory evaluation of monitoring control systems and 3) pilot and full -scale
evaluations.
Status: The project is on track; the team submitted their sixth progress report in January
2014 and will be submitting their seventh progress report in March 2014.
Notable Update:
Task 2 is is currently 85% complete. The purpose of this task is to identify correlations
between treatment performance and sensor response. As part of this task the following
will be performed:
Treatment train development: The following treatment trains will be evaluated at
the lab- scale. The treatment trains were selected in consistence with project
WRRF11 -02.
From secondary treatment 4 MF/UF4 RO 4 UV/AOP 4 To reuse application
From secondary/ From
tertiary treatment 4 MF/UF4 Os 4 GAC /BAC 4 surface /groundwat
er augmentation
Use of surrogates to predict trace organic compound (TOrc) removal by granular
activated carbon: The purpose of this subtask is to develop correlations between
bulk organic parameters (e.g. color, total organic carbon, UV absorbance and
fluorescence excitation /emission spectroscopy) and TOrC removal during
oxidation processes. Some preliminary testing has been performed. The project
team is evaluating and analyzing the data.
Data Acquisition Software Development: The purpose of this sub -task is to
develop a SCADA system for monitoring and controlling the water quality
throughout the treatment train for water reuse
On -line Sensors for Real -Time Monitoring of Water Quality As part of this sub -
task, 10 different online sensors were installed in the lab and are currently being
evaluated (see Table 3). These sensors are capable of measuring 13 different
surrogate parameters of water quality which can be divided into four categories:
i) general (pH, temperature, conductivity, turbidity); ii) organic (UVT254, UVA254,
TOC, DOC, fluorescence); iii) inorganic (chlorine, NO3-N); and iv) microbial
parameters (total cell count, microbial toxicity
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Table 3: Surrogate parameters and online sensors that will be analyzed as part of WRRF -11-
01 Task 2
C►? xy tent micro
/ W s ::can le m W ET�Labi r11it1
1
Irre Bioscan
MKr0T013 Severs 5310C To.Co t,ol
Real i e Guaroian8lue NiCaVis BbScan
Analyzer On•Une e, Spectro::lyur S4flf! BIOSerItrY Towory
Online Analyzer Event Monitor gnalvzer 705 IQ (RMS'W) Analyzer
To date, the following has been accomplished:
• Two Reverse osmosis units built
• Development of treatment technologies for UV, 03, ± H2O2
• IQ SensorNet installed
• LabView Software system installed for data stream collection from all sensors
simultaneously
• SAFire fluorescence online sensor evaluated as surrogate for dissolved organic
matter
• Instant BioScan evaluated as a real -time microbial sensor
• Advanced oxidation via ozone evaluated for removal of contaminants
2. WRRF- 11 -02, Equivalency ofAdvanced Treatment Trains for Potable Reuse (Contractor:
Trussell Technologies)
This project will clearly identify the benefits and tradeoffs of various treatment process
trains for potable reuse. This project will consider and examine criteria needed to
evaluate the adequacy of treatment for direct and indirect potable reuse. A model will
be developed that can allow for comparisons of alternate treatment trains for potable
reuse. At least one advanced treatment train will be tested for direct potable reuse at a
scale large enough to give information on real operating conditions.
Status: The project is on track. The National Water Research Institute (NWRI)
coordinated an Independent Advisory Panel (Panel) to lead a 2 -day workshop to develop
a set of criteria that are protective of public health to evaluate treatment technologies for
DPR. This Panel Report entitled Examining the Criteria for Direct Potable Reuse has
been released. Shane and Rhodes Trussell attended the DPR Collaboration Meeting on
5/6/13 in Phoenix. In addition, a two -part webcast was conducted by the project team
briefing attendants on the preliminary results of this project. The team submitted their
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General parameters
Organic parameters I Inorganic
parameters
Microbial parameters
UVT 254 Chlorine
'
Total cell JPAAr+ V _
pH
( %) (mg/L)
count .,,.. .�.
(CotnW100ML) pan
_
Temperature
UVA 254 xylem
NO3 7N
s::can xylem
Toxicity
b
Conductivity A'
DOC s::can xylem
(Us /cm) =
(mg/L) --
s::can
=1V s::can
Turbidity '� °"°° ""
TOC = '°m
(NTU)
(mg/L) * xylem
Sir— 53,K
o.rwr rot Atq
Fluorescence -6—
(A.U.)
To date, the following has been accomplished:
• Two Reverse osmosis units built
• Development of treatment technologies for UV, 03, ± H2O2
• IQ SensorNet installed
• LabView Software system installed for data stream collection from all sensors
simultaneously
• SAFire fluorescence online sensor evaluated as surrogate for dissolved organic
matter
• Instant BioScan evaluated as a real -time microbial sensor
• Advanced oxidation via ozone evaluated for removal of contaminants
2. WRRF- 11 -02, Equivalency ofAdvanced Treatment Trains for Potable Reuse (Contractor:
Trussell Technologies)
This project will clearly identify the benefits and tradeoffs of various treatment process
trains for potable reuse. This project will consider and examine criteria needed to
evaluate the adequacy of treatment for direct and indirect potable reuse. A model will
be developed that can allow for comparisons of alternate treatment trains for potable
reuse. At least one advanced treatment train will be tested for direct potable reuse at a
scale large enough to give information on real operating conditions.
Status: The project is on track. The National Water Research Institute (NWRI)
coordinated an Independent Advisory Panel (Panel) to lead a 2 -day workshop to develop
a set of criteria that are protective of public health to evaluate treatment technologies for
DPR. This Panel Report entitled Examining the Criteria for Direct Potable Reuse has
been released. Shane and Rhodes Trussell attended the DPR Collaboration Meeting on
5/6/13 in Phoenix. In addition, a two -part webcast was conducted by the project team
briefing attendants on the preliminary results of this project. The team submitted their
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sixth progress report in November 2013 and is expected to submit their seventh in
February 2014.
Notable Update:
To date, the team has completed or nearly completed all of the work comprising Task 1
and has made significant progress on Tasks 2 and 3. Within Task 1, the project team
completed Task 1A (Literature Review) and Task 1B (Review of Available Public Health
Criteria). The deliverable from these tasks was a Literature Review document that was
distributed to the Expert Panel and the PAC prior to the September workshop. To satisfy
Task 1C (Develop Criteria that are Protective of Public Health to Evaluate Treatment
Technologies for Direct Potable Reuse), the project team developed a set of "Strawman"
criteria —in the form of PowerPoint presentations —that were distributed to the PAC and
Expert Panel prior to the workshop. Task 1C also included the August 29, 2012
workshop that was co -run with NWRI at the LA Department of Water and Power. The
Expert Panel then refined these criteria in their Expert Panel Report; these treatment
goals will serve as the final equivalency criteria for the evaluation of DPR treatment
technologies. The PAC provided comments on the draft Expert Panel Report, and these
comments were incorporated into the revised version of the Expert Panel Report that
was included with a previous progress report. Finally, the project team created a State of
the Science (SoS) Report for Task 1E that incorporates all of the information compiled in
Task 1, including the literature review (Tasks 1A and 113), the final set of public health
criteria (Task 1C), and the additional design criteria for potable reuse trains (Task 1D).
The draft SoS Report was revised based on comments from the PAC and included in a
previous progress report. New science in potable reuse and proposals for new potable
reuse projects are released frequently. We recommend the SoS Report be published as
an independent WateReuse Research Foundation Report so that the information it
contains can be timely and so that its contents can contribute to this active and dynamic
dialogue.
In Task 2, the project team has completed a draft of the digital Toolbox, which includes a
wide range of treatment technologies and treatment performance. Toolbox users are
now able to combine a series of technologies to meet specified levels of pathogen and
pollutant treatment. Two further efforts are required on this toolbox: 1) costs of
treatment must be assembled, and 2) modifications to the treatment credits will be
implemented once pilot testing is complete.
In conjunction with the initial findings from the Toolbox, potential treatment trains for
near - full -scale direct potable reuse testing have been identified. The project team has
developed a draft test protocol based on these treatment trains and the availability of
pilot equipment (Task 3). Pilot testing at San Luis Obispo Water Reclamation Plant
(WRP) was completed in March and follow up testing will be completed in July. Site
modifications, including the installation of secondary containment to prevent runoff from
potential pilot plant leaks from entering storm drains, were made at LACSD's San Jose
Creek Water Reclamation Plant (SJCWRP) to accommodate pilot equipment at that
location. The WEDECO ozone system, Leopold BAC pilot unit, Econity MF pilot unit,
LACSD RO skid, and GE OF skid have been delivered to SJCWRP. The WEDECO and
Leopold systems began operating in June, and the Econity, GE and RO skids began
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operating in September. All of those pilot units are currently operating as part of Phase
1 testing.
3. WRRF- 11 -05, Demonstrating the Benefits of Engineered Direct Potable Reuse versus
UnintentionallndirectPotable Reuse Systems(Contractor: The Cadmus Group Inc)
This project will obtain a more quantitative assessment of the water quality impacts
associated with unintentional indirect potable reuse and demonstrate how more fully
engineered approaches to direct potable reuse will result in water quality benefits.
Status: The project has been completed and has been published.
Conclusions: The findings of this study indicate that predicted concentrations at intakes
were largely dependent on dilution, background concentrations of contaminants in
surface water, ambient temperature, and the residence time of the contaminants in the
system. However, the impacts of effluent discharges on water quality at intakes were
considered negligible. The selected analytical approach was appropriate for
understanding system behavior in the selected UnintentionallndirectPotable Reuse (de
facto reuse) cases and allowed for a consistent comparison of water quality impacts
among different systems where data were limited. This approach may be adapted by
other utilities that are located only a short distance downstream from the nearest
wastewater treatment discharge point, have a limited number of non -point source
discharges in that distance, and have adequate data on trace organics to assess the
concentrations at the water intake. However, conclusions from this study were restricted
by older source water quality data, limited data on emerging contaminants of concern,
and asynchronous data collection efforts by different entities.
4. WRRF- 11 -10, Evaluation of Risk Reduction Principles for Direct Potable Reuse
(Contractor: Carollo Engineers)
The goal of this project is to identify how fail -safe concepts developed in other industries
(structural /bridge, aviation /NASA) can be adapted and applied to DPR systems. The
resultant guidance and recommendations will be built in a stepwise fashion from the
foundation of "what we know" up through "what we could do," to "the pros, cons, and
costs of the identified DPR approach alternatives."
Status: Project was submitted to the publication queue for copyediting. Anticipated
publication date is May 1, 2014.
Conclusions: DPR is without an environmental buffer such as a groundwater basin or a
surface water reservoir. Potable reuse of highly treated reclaimed water without an
environmental buffer is worthy of consideration as an alternative water supply.
Understanding and replacing the value of the environmental buffer is a key component of
this project. Concepts central to this work include:
Multi- barrier treatment. Treatment is provided by multiple unit processes so that no
one process is responsible for providing the full level of public health protection. The
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treatment provided by each unit can be partially or completely duplicative to another
process (i.e., provide redundant treatment).
• Redundant treatment. Treatment that is provided in excess of the required minimum
needed to maintain adequate public health protection. This is typically provided as a
back -up in case another process fails to provide adequate treatment.
• Process reliability. A measure of how consistently a treatment system can be
depended upon to perform to specifications.
The project team recognizes that this project represents the beginning of DPR guidance
criteria. As such, a number of recommendations for setting treatment goals for reclaimed
water as source water or as a potable source are suggested.
In the absence of the environmental buffer, treatment processes need accurate, robust real -
time, online monitoring of effluent quality. This monitoring ideally ensures process
performance and alarms when process effluent quality changes. These improved monitoring
techniques should be sensitive enough to pick up small changes and trends in treatment
performance that could have a significant impact on the safety of the finished water. The
monitoring techniques would focus on both microbes and trace pollutants.
5. WRRF- 12 -06, Guidelines for Engineered Storage for Direct Potable Reuse Systems
(Contractor: Carollo Engineers)
The main objective of this project is to develop recommendations for optimizing
engineered storage systems for direct potable reuse; this will be accomplished through
examining current practices and existing research to generate a guidance document and
report.
Status: The second progress report was submitted during the quarter. The project is on
schedule.
Notable Update: Project Principal Investigator and Co -Pls have submitted several
abstracts to present the work at conferences including ACE, WRRF Research Conference,
and Texas Water. The public outreach work was also presented by Linda MacPherson as
part of an NWRI workshop on Direct Potable Reuse Public Perception on February 25.
6. WRRF- 12 -07, Standard Methods for Integrity Testing and On -line Monitoring ofNFand
RO Membranes (Contractor: MWH)
The main goal is to create scientifically -based method(s) for the integrity testing of high
pressure membranes, including nanofiltration (NF) and reverse osmosis (RO)
membranes. Once developed, the goal is to have the methods adopted as industry
standards and approved for higher pathogen removal credits by regulatory agencies.
Status: The second progress report from MWH will be submitted in the next weeks. The
project team is behind with this report.
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Notable Update: A project kick -off meeting was held on October 3rd, 2013 between the
Foundation, project team, and PAC members. The literature review has been completed
and reviewed by the PAC. A survey on NF and RO integrity monitoring utilized by water
utilities, technology providers and membrane manufacturers has been sent to the
project participants. The survey results will be discussed during two workshops in early
2014.
7. WRRF- 13 -02, Model Public Communication Plan forAdvancing DPR Acceptance
(Contractor: Data Instincts)
The objective of this project is to establish a framework communication plan and develop
an implementable, strategic communication plan to achieve DPR acceptance for the
State of California.
Status: The project was awarded to Data Instincts, and after negotiating the funding
agreement, the project commenced on November 15, 2014.
Notable updates: The work was presented by Mark Millan as part of an NWRI workshop
on Direct Potable Reuse Public Perception on February 25.
8. WRRF- 13 -03, Critical Control PointAssessment to Quantify Robustness and Reliability of
Multiple Treatment Barriers of DPR Scheme (Contractor: Hazen & Sawyer)
Objectives:
1. Conduct hazard assessment for key unit operations for two or more direct potable
reuse (DPR) treatment trains, including the following:
a. MF /UF - RO - UV /H2O2 - C12 - Engineered Storage
b. 03 - BAC - GAC - UV - C12 - Engineered Storage
2. Develop best design, monitoring, and operational practices by evaluating critical
process control points in each of the DPR treatment trains evaluated to meet overall
system robustness and reliability.
3. Develop standard design approaches and response strategies (i.e., operations plan
and standard operating procedures) to mitigate upset events to strive towards `fail -
safe' operation of a DPR plant.
Research Approach:
1. Conduct hazard assessment for key unit operations and determine critical control
points
2. Conduct bench /pilot level challenge test studies
3. Conduct Monte Carlo risk analysis and develop standard design approaches,
operational procedures, and response strategies
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Project Update: This project was awarded to Hazen & Sawyer in December 2013 with the
project commencing shortly thereafter. The project team has assembled a multi-
disciplinary Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points ( HACCP) team to assist in the
delivery of project outcomes. The first of two workshops with the HACCP team has been
scheduled for February 2014 to fully vet the water quality objectives, critical control
points, and final list of chemical and microbial indicators and surrogates. The first
progress report is due April 2014.
9. WRRF- 13 -12, Evaluation of Source Water Control Options and the Impact of Selected
Strategies on DPR (Contractor: Black & Veatch)
The goals are to evaluate upstream wastewater treatment impacts (e.g. N /dN-
nitrification /denitrification, industrial source control) on DPR source water quality and
DPR process, and to evaluate impact of hydraulic control mechanisms (e.g. flow
equalization and source water storage buffers) on influent water quality and flow
variations that "stress" the DPR process.
Project Update: Black & Veatch (PI Alan Rimer) has been awarded and the project will
start soon.
10. WRRF- 13 -13, Operations Plan Development Standard (Contractor Hazen & Sawyer)
The object of this project is to develop a standard operations and maintenance plan for
various DPR treatment processes, including appropriate portions of the upstream
secondary wastewater treatment processes providing feedwater to the DPR processes. A
DPR Training and Certification framework for DPR system operators will also be
developed.
Project Update: Hazen & Sawyer (PI Troy Walker) has been awarded and the project will
start soon.
11. W R F 4508, Assessment of techniques for evaluating and demonstrating safety of DPR
product water (Contractor: U of Arizona; funded and managed by Water Research
Foundation)
The objectives of this project are to evaluate known techniques /methodologies (and
potentially develop new technologies) for the assessment of DPR water safety (work with
public outreach group to identify key criteria by which public would evaluate safety); to
evaluate the effectiveness of currently accepted and alternative treatment trains for the
production of DPR water using the developed techniques; to perform benchmarking to
other water sources (e.g. surface water, bottled water, etc.); and to develop tools and
methods for utilities to demonstrate water safety to the public, elected officials, etc.
Water Research Foundation will manage this project, through a process similar to
WateReuse.
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Project Update: The project was awarded to U of Arizona (Channah Rock, PI), and the
project will begin soon.
12. WRF 4536, Blending Requirements for Water from DPR Treatment Facilities (Contractor:
Carollo; funded and managed by Water Research Foundation)
The objective of this project is to optimize with respect to water quality, the blending of
DPR water with existing water supplies based on existing information. Phase II will
conduct case studies of selected blending strategies
Water Research Foundation will manage this project, through a process similar to
WateReuse.
Project Update: The project was awarded to Carollo (Andrew Salveson, PI), and the
project will begin soon.
13.WRRF- 14 -01, Integrated Management of Sensor Data for Real Time Decision Making
and Response (Contractor: TBD)
The objectives of this project are as follows:
Develop an operation support tool that integrates diverse sensors within the
treatment process for immediate feedback /alerts. Integrate existing sensors as an
early warning system for a Direct Potable Reuse (DPR) treatment process to provide:
• Real time sensor network for tracking system performance and key quality
parameters,
• A tool for early detection of system anomalies prior to any compromise in
water quality.
Build on criteria developed in WRRF -13 -03 and 13 -13 for decision making based on
established critical control points.
Develop framework for sensor data integration based on above criteria.
Project Update: This project was developed by the RAC in their January 2014 meeting
and approved by the Board in late March. A PAC is being formed and RFP is expected
summer 2014.
14.WRRF- 14 -02, Establishing additional log reduction credits for WWTPs (Contractor: TBD)
The objectives are as follows:
Obtain more accurate picture of the microbial treatment requirements by addressing
the major source of uncertainty —the concentration of pathogens in raw wastewater
and secondary effluent
Establish if there is any correlation between the number of pathogens in raw
wastewater and secondary effluent
Establish removal credit for biological treatment provided (e.g., activated sludge) for
protozoa, bacteria, and viruses
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• Determine validity of pathogen log- removal requirements identified by CDPH for
potable reuse projects.
Project Update: This project was developed by the RAC in their January 2014 meeting
and approved by the Board in late March. A PAC is being formed and RFP is expected
summer 2014.
15.WRRF- 14 -03, Develop Methodology of comprehensive (fiscal /triple bottom line) analysis
of alternative water supply projects compared to DPR
The objective of this project is to develop and demonstrate an assessment method
(spreadsheet, database, or other) to provide information to decision makers in
considering the full economic, social, and environmental impacts of a DPR water supply
versus other alternative supplies.
Project Update: This project was developed by the RAC in their January 2014 meeting
and approved by the Board in late March. A PAC is being formed and RFP is expected
summer 2014.
16.WRRF- 14 -08, Economics of Direct Potable Reuse (Contractor: Stratus Consulting)
The objective of this project is to estimate the capital costs of DPR using existing
treatment technologies (including monitoring equipment) along with an estimate of the
operating costs. These estimated costs and the energy requirements, including GHG
emissions, will be compared to other sources of water including imported water, local
surface and groundwater, brackish groundwater desalination, and seawater
desalination. This will primarily focus on California. The potential cost savings from
choosing DPR over alternatives will be estimated as well. In addition, the estimated total
volume of "new water" that could be generated from DPR in California will be estimated.
Project Update: This project was sole- sourced to Bob Raucher (Stratus Consulting) and
began in April. The white paper is due to complete in July 2014.
17.WRRF- 14 -10, Enhanced Pathogen and Pollutant Monitoring of the Colorado River
Municipal Water District Raw Water Production Facility at Big Spring Texas (Contractor:
Carollo)
The objective of this project is to create a DPR Monitoring Guidelines document that
makes recommendations for long -term monitoring at facilities like the one at Big Spring.
It will take into account the results of the in -depth sampling conducted during this study,
and develop a robust monitoring approach to reduce risk to public health while keeping
costs low through the use of appropriate process monitoring and surrogate
measurements.
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A team led by Carollo was recently awarded a grant funded by the Texas Water
Development Board (TWDB) to study the water quality delivered by the RWPF. This team
is in the process of developing a testing protocol to demonstrate the water quality
produced by RWPF. As part of this testing, state of the art online monitoring approaches
and surrogate testing are proposed to compliment analyses for pathogens (virus,
protozoa, and bacteria) and trace pollutants (pharmaceuticals, endocrine disruptors,
disinfection by products, flame retardants, perfluorinated compounds, and others).
The current study provides a detailed review of system performance in accordance with
public health and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) regulatory
objectives. The additional funding from WRRF for this TC project allows a substantial
expansion of project scope and value. This additional sampling and laboratory work
would be done concurrent with funded efforts. This additional research will increase the
breadth and statistical accuracy of the data set, which is necessary for this research to
have national recognition.
Project Update: This project was accepted as part of the Tailored Collaboration Program
in May 2014. A PAC is being formed and the project is expected to begin August 1, 2014.
18.WRRF- 14 -12, Failsafe Potable Reuse Project at the City of San Diego's Advanced Water
Purification Demonstration Facility (Contractor: Trussell Technologies)
This project will develop and examine a conceptual framework for a direct potable reuse
facility for the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) at the City of San Diego's
newly upgraded Advanced Water Purification Demonstration Facility (AWPF). It is
envisioned that the conceptual framework will address issues beyond the treatment
plant, such as source control, required operator training and certification, product water
delivery and mixing strategies /requirements, as well as a plan to provide an alternative
potable water supply in emergency scenarios and to ensure that extreme events do not
compromise public health. There could be other necessary components of this
framework that have yet to be defined. However, these aspects of the framework are not
the focus of the specific testing program of the project, which will focus on
demonstrating that a proper combination of today's established treatment technologies
and on -line monitors are capable of providing the backbone of a reliable potable reuse
project. The AWPF treatment plant has been modified to incorporate redundancy, both in
treatment processes and on -line monitors; so that it can be ensured that adequate
barriers are always in place to protect public health. The AWPF also incorporates a
robust treatment train with diverse processes that are able to address various
contaminants at varying concentrations. The demonstration facility will be evaluated in a
manner that aims to demonstrate that the environmental buffer used in today's potable
reuse projects in California can be eliminated. The project will be highlighted by an
expert panel workshop that will consider the knowledge base developed by the
WateReuse Research Foundation to date in outlining specific guidelines that will better
define the needs of a direct potable reuse facility. Per Senate Bill 918, the CDPH must
report on the feasibility of direct potable reuse by the end of 2016 and a National Water
Research Institute (NWRI) expert panel has been contracted with the State of California
to, among many other things, evaluate the feasibility of direct potable reuse. The primary
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goal of this project is to inform the panel discussion and engage the CDPH in concepts
that will encourage direct potable reuse.
Project Update: This project should start fall 2014 after successful contract negotiation
between SDCWA, City of San Diego, WRRF, and Trussell.
19.WRA- 14 -01, Developing Direct Potable Reuse Guidelines (Contractor: NWRI)
Project Duration:
• Project Start - April 2014
• Draft Report Due - November 2014
• Estimated Publication Date - December 2014
The project will develop a White Paper with the purpose of identifying topics and issues
that need to be addressed in the development of future national potable reuse
guidelines. Guidelines for potable reuse would focus on issues such as public health
protection, sufficient multiple barriers, risk assessment, water quality monitoring, and
operation management. At present, six U.S. states (i.e., California, Texas, New Mexico,
Oregon, Florida, and Arizona) have standards and /or guidelines for potable reuse under
development, while many more are interested in receiving guidance. Federal guidelines
on potable reuse do not currently exist and are not expected to be forthcoming.
This White Paper will be developed by an Expert Panel conducted by NWRI. The panel will
meet several times to develop a comprehensive source of information and expert
judgment on DPR, eview current state standards and guidelines efforts, and review
decision factors and public protection goals for DPR. The first expert panel meeting is
expected to occur in August. In June, a conference call was conducted with the PAC, the
Panel Chair (George Tchobanoglous), Joe Cotruvo (Panel member), and Jeff Mosher of
NWRI.
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