A membrane bioreactor (MBR) system, developed and patented in 2008 by Magna Water District (MWD), in the US state of Utah, and Carollo Engineers, could be used for the first time together with an electrodialysis reversal (EDR) facility to remove perchlorate and arsenic from the Barton Well Field in Utah.
US congressman Jason Chaffetz introduced legislation on 8 May 2009 to seek authorization of US$12 million for the MWD’s water reuse and groundwater recharge project.
The bill is the House of Representatives companion bill to another sponsored by Senator Orrin Hatch. Total cost for the project, including all funding sources, is US$ 51 million. Of that amount, the MWD and other entities will contribute $36 million.
The EDR field will remove perchlorate and arsenic from the Barton Well Field, while the BIOBROx® bioreactor will treat the waste stream from the EDR.
The EDR will produce drinking water which goes to the district’s potable water system, and the BIOBROx effluent will be used in the secondary water irrigation system, eliminating the need to use high quality drinking water for outdoor irrigation uses.
“This new BIOBROx water treatment technology … could be used in other areas of the nation and will help maintain a viable water supply for the northwest portion of Salt Lake County for generations to come,” said Ed Hansen, MWD manager.