Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) is a proven groundwater augmentation strategy that involves supplementing underground aquifer water supplies. Anne Arundel County is considering an approach that involves injecting recycled water that has been treated to drinking water standards into groundwater aquifers. The goal of this is to improve groundwater resiliency while reducing risks associated with aquifer depletion such as sinking ground and saltwater intrusion. Click the image below to learn more about the advanced water treatment process.
The County will be testing and developing a multi-step advanced treatment system and will identify critical points to operate and control the system. This type of multi-barrier approach is used in other applications where safety is a paramount concern. Click on each icon below to learn more about each process step.
Water Reclamation Facility Effluent:
Recycled water from the Patuxent Water Reclamation Facility will undergo an advanced treatment process to meet drinking water standards
Coagulation / Flocculation / Sedimentation:
This process involves removing organic matter from water by adding a chemical to create large particles called “flocs.” The flocs settle and are then removed. This process helps to remove solids, color, iron, manganese, and pathogens from the water.
Ozone and Ozone/Advanced Oxidation Processes:
Ozone is a strong disinfectant that kills harmful organisms and degrades emerging contaminants-- pollutants not currently regulated that may negatively affect human health and aquatic life. Ozone breaks down organic matter that is used as “food” in the biofiltration process.
Biofiltration:
Biofiltration is the process of allowing organisms naturally found in water systems to break down and remove organic matter. Biofiltration has been shown to be a safe and effective way to remove solids, iron, manganese and emerging contaminants.
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC):
GAC is a widely implemented water treatment process to remove organic matter. Water flows through the GAC and contaminants are removed by attaching to the activated carbon surface. GAC is highly effective for removing emerging contaminants such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
UV Disinfection:
UV is the final disinfection step that uses ultraviolet light to kill harmful organisms. This type of disinfection does not require any chemicals, which means it does not result in disinfection byproducts—harmful substances that form when a disinfectant reacts with naturally occurring organic matter.
