Membrane softening versus lime softening in Florida: A cost comparison update

Abstract

Increasingly, nanofiltration is being used to soften water in Florida — particularly for applications where the feed water has high color and dissolved organics (which are precursors to regulated disinfectant byproducts). The slightly higher costs for membrane softening than lime softening, are more than justified for many utilities that desire the generally superior product water quality. These utilities anticipate the ability to meet future drinking water standards, even those not yet identified, without the need to modify the process or add additional processes required for lime softening.