Antioch water plant halves a chemical dose, saving $18,000 a year

Antioch’s water treatment plant has achieved a significant milestone by reducing its chemical usage by 50%, leading to an annual savings of approximately $18,000. This development, announced on August 25, follows a routine inspection that revealed an excessive amount of sodium bisulfite, a chemical used to prevent membrane fouling in the plant’s reverse osmosis system. The reduction not only saves the city money but also enhances the safety and quality of the water treatment process.

The decrease in chemical usage has a direct impact on the community, ensuring safer and higher-quality water for residents. By lowering the frequency of chemical handling, the plant has reduced the risk of accidents and spills, creating a safer environment for the staff. Additionally, the improved efficiency of the water treatment process is expected to enhance water quality, providing residents with cleaner and safer water. This move underscores the city’s commitment to maintaining and upgrading its water infrastructure to ensure reliable and high-quality water supply.

The current water treatment plant, which utilizes reverse osmosis technology, was a significant upgrade from previous systems and has been operational for several years. The recent optimization efforts are part of ongoing maintenance and improvement initiatives aimed at maximizing the plant’s efficiency and longevity. The savings were achieved through technical adjustments made by the plant’s instrumentation crew, who recalibrated the analyzers and updated the SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system to automatically adjust the chemical dose based on actual demand. This change means that operators now fill the chemical tank manually once a week instead of two or three times, saving about 100 hours of labor annually.

Looking ahead, the city plans to continue monitoring the water treatment process to ensure ongoing efficiency and safety. Residents can expect to see the benefits of these improvements in the form of safer and higher-quality water. For more information on the city’s water treatment initiatives, residents can visit the City of Antioch’s website or contact the city’s water department for updates on future projects and maintenance schedules. The city’s ongoing efforts to optimize its water treatment processes reflect a dedication to both fiscal responsibility and public health.