Evaluating Membrane Options for Aquifer Recharge in Southeast Florida

Abstract

Because there are few undeveloped or underused high-quality water sources in the United States, many utilities are considering impaired water sources to meet increasing demands. Utilities are increasingly expressing interest in developing aquifer recharge projects and desalination technologies. The evolution of those processes offers significant promise to meet future water supply needs. This project investigated the potential to turn wastewater into a high-quality water supply that meets all applicable state and local standards for groundwater recharge to supplement water supplies. The project showed that membranes can meet virtually every regulatory limit imposed, treating the permeate to resolve saturation issues was straightforward, and emerging constituents were removed efficiently.