Pluris Wedgefield (“Pluris”) is presenting this July update summary of laboratory data including the recent most test results from its pilot study addressing TTHMs, the byproduct of chlorine disinfection in drinking water. The pilot testing continues to be conducted in accordance with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (“FDEP”) approved study.
The following table shows TTHM data from sampling beginning after the startup of the pilot study continuing with the latest results this past week, on June 23, 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 June 23, 2017 show concentrations are now at an undetectable level. The Federal Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) maximum contaminant level (“MCL”) is 80 μg/l.
Pilot study protocol continues with determining the chlorine dioxide concentration necessary to meet the FDEP requirements. As shared in the previous update, the process involves incrementally adjusting chlorine dioxide levels while also adjusting chlorine levels down to 0. As of the past week, chlorine is no longer being introduced into the system.
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 decrease in chlorine concentration. The aesthetics of odor, taste and color have changed since chlorine is no longer in the system.
Pluris and professional experts are working with the FDEP to provide factual evidence from utilities currently using chlorine dioxide as their primary disinfectant to support a reduction of the current FDEP minimum chlorine dioxide residual of 0.2 milligrams per liter. Based on other utilities’ systems reducing the limit will still meet the Federal EPA and FDEP set TTHM limits and result in a lower cost to operate and maintain the chlorine dioxide system at Wedgefield.
As always, customers with questions or desiring to visit the water treatment plant facility are encouraged to contact Mr. 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 water treatment facility. Mr. Kuhns can be reached via email at [email protected] or by telephone at (813) 526-0608.
