Pilot Program

Anne Arundel County is exploring Managed Aquifer Recharge as an innovative way to maintain groundwater supplies while protecting against the impact of continued withdrawals. The County is considering an approach that involves injecting recycled water that has been treated to drinking water standards into groundwater aquifers.

Our Pilot Program facility, located in Crofton, Maryland offers tours to those who would like to learn about this innovative process.

If you would like to request a tour of the Pilot Program facility, please reach out to Tynisha Hearn at pwhear23@aacounty.org

Tour Request Form Pilot Facility Map and Guidelines

What is the Advanced Water Treatment Pilot System?

Anne Arundel County is exploring Managed Aquifer Recharge as an innovative way to maintain groundwater supplies while protecting against the impact of continued withdrawals. The County is studying an approach that involves injecting recycled water that has been treated to drinking water standards into groundwater aquifers.

How does it work?

What are the treatment steps?

Click below to learn about each step in the advanced water treatment system.

1
Rapid Mix, Flocculation and 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 organics, solids, color, iron, manganese, and pathogens from the water.

2
Ozonation

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 this larger, more complex organic matter into simpler organic matter that is then used as “food” in the biofiltration process.

3
Biofiltration

Biofiltration is the process of allowing organisms naturally found in aquatic systems to break down and remove organic matter. The biofilter media bed filters particles and provides a surface for organism attachment. Biofiltration has been shown to be a safe and effective way to remove organics, solids, iron, manganese and emerging contaminants.

4
Granular Activated 4 Carbon (GAC) Adsorption

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).

5
UV Disinfection

UV is the final disinfection step that uses ultraviolet light to kill harmful organisms by disrupting organism DNA. 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.

If you would like updates on Our wAAter's groundwater resiliency strategy as it develops