What Should I Know About Purchasing and Installing a Package Water Treatment System?

Abstract

This month's question asks how to determine whether a package water treatment system is suitable for a small water system. The article first suggests that you have a clear understanding of the difference between what you want and what's readily available. Using a compact package plant may facilitate a fast‐track design, provide quick delivery, reduce on‐site construction costs, and require less fieldwork. Key points discussed in the article that can ensure the success of a package system include: prepare a strong performance‐based specification and assess design standards on a plant‐by‐plant basis; ensure your vendor, engineer, and primary regulator agree the system is suitably designed to treat the source water; if water quality could vary rapidly, use a conservative design and increase system control flexibility to handle situations not initially anticipated; and, if modifications are required, ensure the manufacturer has a strong understanding of what's required.