Point-of-Use (POU) Treatment: A Viable Inorganics Compliance Strategy for Small Systems

1
Point-of-Use (POU) TreatmentA Viable
Inorganics Compliance Strategyfor Small Systems
2004 RMSAWWA/RMWEA Annual Conference Grand
Junction, Colorado

• Warren J. Swanson, P.E.

Schmueser gordon meyer, inc. Glenwood Springs
Aspen Crested Butte Meeker
2
This Presentation Will

• Show how POU treatment can be a real compliance
  option for small systems
• Share experiences of a small community in
• getting the approach approved
• developing an implementation plan
• Identify available resources

3
What is POU ( POE) Treatment?
POU is Point-of-Use Under the Sink
POE is Point-of-Entry Whole Home
4
The POU/POE Approach Trade-off
Centralized Treatment
POU/POE Treatment
High Capital Cost
Logistical Challenges
5
Mt. Princeton Homeowners Association

• MPHOA
• 50 residences on flanks of Mt. Princeton
• gt 15 taps or 25 residents, year-round? Community
  Water System
• Receives water from MP Hot Springs Resort

Photo www.coloradofourteeners.org
6
Mt. Princeton Hot Springs is a High-Quality
Source.
7
except for High Fluoride
MPHS Fluoride 9 mg/L Fluoride Max. Contaminant
Level (MCL) 4 mg/L Fluoride Secondary MCL 2 mg/L
State of Colorado Enforcement Order May 30, 2003
Prelim. Design Report in 4 mons. Fully Implement
Solution in 7 mons.
8
Centralized Treatment Not Feasible
High-fluoride Influent, 75 gpm
Waste Stream?
Activated Alumina
Regeneration Chemicals
Treated Raw Water

• Land
• Building
• Treatment Equipment

• Chemicals
• Waste Disposal Option
• Increased OM

Capital Cost of about 5,000 per Household!!
9
Why Mt. Princeton HOA Pursued POU

• Affordability
• Treat only cooking and drinking water
• 550 per household
• Limited Waste Disposal
• Fluoride not concentrated much
• No Additional Land Required
• State of Colorado Willing to Accept the Approach

10
Not Suitable for Microbial Contaminants
Site-Specific Pilot-Testing of Units
State POU/POE Strategy Guidelines
ANSI/NSF- Approved Units
Water System Ultimately Responsible
Operations Management Plan
Automatic Warning on Units
11
MPHOA Selected Reverse Osmosis Units
NSF 58-Approved System
2-Gal. Tank (rated to 120 psi)
5-micron Cartridge Pre-Filter
Reverse Osmosis Membrane
Dedicated Faucet w/Cond.- Based Quality Monitor
Built-in Siphon Break
Activated Carbon Pre-Trtmnt.
Activated Carbon Post-Trtmnt.
12
Pilot Test Demonstrated Performance
13
Operations Management Plan Contents

1. Keys to Program Success
2. Division of Responsibilities
3. Installation / Start-up
4. Training
5. O M
6. Monitoring
7. Record Keeping
8. Communications

14
Keys to POU Approach Success

• Homeowner cooperation!
• Good communication!
• Access to units!
• Licensed installers operators!
• Solid performance monitoring plan!
• Proper reporting to State!

15
Division of Responsibilities
Report Problems
Home mod. costs
Check Units
Compliance Activities
Dont Tinker
All OM, Management
Provide Access Space
Furnish Own Devices
Be Coach-able
Bear Final Responsibility
WATER PROVIDER
CUSTOMERS
16
POU Treatment Unit Installation Plan
POU Treatment Unit Manufacturers Representative
Training Activity 1
Certified Master Plumber
Licensed Water Sys. Operator
Training Activity 2
Installation and Training Throughout Community
17
Operations Maintenance Plan Should

• Clearly assign responsibilities
• Equip. provider, plumber, operator
• Establish schedules
• Maintenance visits
• Unit replacement activities
• Establish spare parts inventory
• Set responsibility for waste disposal

18
Three Levels of Monitoring
Level 3
Level 2
Level 1
Routine Check
Regulatory Compliance
Breakthrough Warning
Purpose
Annual, Flexible
Every 3 Yrs.
Schedule
Continuous
Unit Service Provider
Licensed Water Op.
Homeowner
Sampler
Parameter Field Method
Approved Method
Auto-Monitor, Surrogate
Method Note
19
Communications Plan

• Schedule regular maintenance visits at annual HOA
  meeting
• Send out reminder cards in advance of service
  visits
• Distribute contact list to residents
• Provide feedback on program success and
  importance to all residents
• Make sure new residents are indoctrinated!

20
Additional Information

• Guidance for Implementing a POU or POE
  Treatment Strategy for Compliance with the SDWA
• http//www.epa.gov/safewater/standard/draftguid_p
  ou_poe.pdf
• State Primacy Agency