Pluris Wedgefield (“Pluris”) is presenting a summary of analytical laboratory data from its pilot study addressing TTHMs, the byproduct of chlorine disinfection in drinking water. The pilot testing is being conducted in accordance with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (“FDEP”) approved pilot study.
The following table shows TTHM analytical laboratory data results from sampling beginning after the startup of the pilot study on March 1, 2017 and continuing with the latest recent results on May 3, 2017.
Laboratory testing results of chlorine dioxide being used as a disinfectant instead of chlorine continues to be positive. The latest analytical laboratory results on May 3, 2017 show concentrations continue to drop during the pilot study with TTHMs ranging between 0.70 micrograms per liter (µ/l) to 3.05 µ/l. The Federal Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) maximum contaminant level (“MCL”) is 80 µ/l.
Pilot study protocol continues with determining the chlorine dioxide concentration necessary to meet the Florida FDEP requirements. The process involves an incremental adjustment between chlorine dioxide increasing as chlorine levels are decreased. Due to the sensitivity of the incremental changes, chlorine levels are now contemplated to reach “0” in the middle to late part of May.
Pluris continues to be contacted by customers noting the improvement in odor, taste and color in the drinking water. As referenced before, this is likely the result of the chlorine concentration decreasing as the chlorine dioxide level increases. The aesthetics of odor, taste and color would change and most if not all smell of chlorine would disappear, as chlorine concentrations approach “0”.
As noted in the last update, Pluris contemplated the end of the 90 day pilot study on May 30, 2017. The FDEP has requested the pilot study be extended beyond the original 90 day period it approved. The FDEP’s rationale for the extension is to consider any effect of hotter summer weather when all water utilities experience the highest seasonal TTHM levels.
As always, customers with questions or desiring to visit the water treatment plant facility are encouraged to contact Pluris’ regional manager, Joe Kuhns. He will personally schedule a facility visit for any customer wanting to observe the chlorine dioxide pilot study treatment plant, as well as the entire drinking water treatment process. Mr. Kuhns can be reached via email at [email protected] or by telephone at (813) 526-0608.
