Increased particle loadings are frequently challenging for drinking water treatment facilities, specifically direct filtration plants, and may result in decreased water production capacity and…

The Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) received a $438,901.61 cooperative agreement award from the Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation under the SECURE Water Act – Research Agreements program (CFDA 15.560). The award period is from April 19, 2023 through December 31, 2024.

Under this cooperative agreement, SNWA will examine integrating dissolved air flotation into the existing footprint of a drinking water treatment plant located in Las Vegas, NV to remove increased particle loadings in source water in a cost effective manner. Specifically, SNWA will test incorporating dissolved air flotation between existing flocculation basins and filter influent to float particles to the surface for removal, avoiding the need for a new conventional clarification system. SNWA will also analyze integrating dissolved air flotation into the filter backwashing procedure to minimize backwash volumes and conserve water. Findings will be disseminated through a final report, presentations, and peer-reviewed publications to inform other direct filtration plants on elevated particle loading treatment options.

Increased particle loadings are frequently challenging for drinking water treatment facilities, specifically direct filtration plants, and may result in decreased water production capacity and finished water quality. Conventional clarification processes are used to address higher particle loadings but require a significant footprint and capital cost for systems that may be used only on an intermittent basis. This project examines the integration of dissolved air flotation into the existing footprint of the treatment plant, between flocculation basins and filter influent, to remove these particles. Dissolved air flotation introduces air bubbles to attach to particles and particle-bubble aggregates float to the surface where they are mechanically removed. If an innovative dissolved air flotation solution can be incorporated into the existing treatment process, IT could be operated on an as-needed basis to reduce particle loadings to the filters and maintain water production rates, while significantly reducing footprint and capital cost requirements of a new conventional clarification system. Additionally, integration of dissolved air flotation into the filter backwashing procedure will be examined to minimize backwash volumes and produce water savings. Learnings disseminated through the final report, presentations, and peer-reviewed publication, can be used to inform other direct filtration plants that are considering treatment options for elevated particle loadings.