Our wAAter

What is the Advanced Water Treatment System?

The Advanced Water Treatment System allows us to recycle our used water while providing Anne Arundel County with safe drinking water. Water returned to the aquifer will be passed through advanced levels of treatment to meet drinking water standards and will be vigorously tested and monitored for quality control. Water returned to the aquifer may be withdrawn again in the future and would be treated again before entering the water distribution system.

How does it work?

This is the current pilot for the Advanced Water Treatment System. Click on each number in the graphic below to learn more about the steps of the pilot process.

1
Coagulation/Flocculation/Sedimentation
2
Ozone Oxidation
3
Biofiltration
4
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) Adsorption
5
UV Disinfection

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 organics, solids, color, iron, manganese, and pathogens from the water.

Ozone Oxidation

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.

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.

Granular Activated 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).

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.

Where else is MAR being implemented?

Utilities around the world are successfully using similar approaches to supplement water supply. Here are key facilities that have implemented MAR programs in the U.S.: