PAX Water Installs In-Tank Aeration at San Jose Water Co.

Richmond, Calif.-based PAX Water Technologies and Sunnyvale, Calif.-based Aqua Metrology Systems unveiled the installation of an in-tank aeration system at San Jose Water Co. The system, installed by Utility Service Group, is being deployed in a 12 million-gal water storage tank to maintain high water quality during the drought.

Trihalomethanes (THMs) are formed when the chlorine used to disinfect and purify water reacts with natural organic matter and are regulated under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Stage 2 Disinfectant and Disinfection Byproduct Rule. Due to the California drought, organic matter in rivers and lakes has become more concentrated and municipalities are reporting higher THM levels.

In-tank aeration works by creating droplets and bubbles at the water’s surface, allowing THMs to escape and be ventilated out of the water tank. “In-tank aeration simply mimics a natural process that exists in mountain streams and rivers and introduces it into the man-made water distribution system,” said PAX Water CEO Dr. Peter S. Fiske.

“With the California drought, there’s more pressure than ever to keep our remaining water supply at a high standard,” said Francois Rodigari, director of wWater quality and environmental compliance at San Jose Water Co. “Partnering with local water technology innovators gave us the right tools to ensure a safe and high-quality supply for customers—our top priority at San Jose Water.”

Aqua Metrology Systems provided their THM-100 online THM analyzer to help track the performance of the aeration system in real-time. “Fluctuations in THM levels and their effect on process control changes are difficult for utilities to characterize based on the frequency of quarterly grab samples and the turnaround time of laboratory analysis,” said Rick Bacon, CEO at Aqua Metrology Systems. “Our online THM monitor provides utilities with high frequency, reliable and real-time data on THM levels, so they can optimize operations and mitigate the presence of THMs in their drinking water.”

Source: PAX Water Technologies