Recognizing the importance of water conservation and with innovation in mind, the Town opened its Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) in 2013. The facility is licensed to operate under specific permit requirements as issued by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and guidelines of the Environmental Protection Agency. The plant is operated by Florida licensed Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators that work 24 hours / 7 days a week to ensure the continuous treatment to protect public health and safety.
The facility is permitted to process 3.5 million gallons per day (MGD) of wastewater (INFLUENT). The final product, is safe, non-potable water (EFFLUENT) which can be used for irrigation, agricultural research, and industrial uses such as chiller make up water.
Current reuse recipients include Nova Southeastern University (NSU) for irrigation and University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences for research. Additionally, reuse water is used at the facility for landscaping, toilet flushing and process water.
The treatment process: Raw wastewater is pumped from wastewater collections underground pipes and lift stations located throughout the Town. The raw wastewater is directed to the Headworks Building and passed through fine screens to remove large debris. Next, inorganic material such as sand and grit is removed through a centrifuge chamber. This is followed by biological treatment (anaerobic and aerobic digestion to break down the waste). It is then filtered (passing through membranes). The treated water is disinfected using UV radiation and ready for use. Reuse water is stored onsite and pumped as needed into the reclaimed distribution network (see schematic below).
The following video 'Downstream' from the WateReuse Association is very informative: click HEREto view it.
