Watts, UCLA detail water supply study in ACS ES&T Water Journal

In an ACS ES&T Water paper published in January 2023, Garver’s Water Technology Leader Michael Watts, PE, Ph.D., detailed findings concerning optimization of the water treatment process in the Arbuckle-Timbered Hills aquifer, confirming the cost benefit of Garver’s piloted approach.

The study, authored by Dr. Watts along with David Jassby, Bongyeon Jung, and Dean Menk from the UCLA Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, deals with Garver’s on-going project for the City of Lawton, Oklahoma, where Dr. Watts has played an integral role in evaluating drought-resilient water supply alternatives to help diversify and expand the City’s water supply.

Although the quality of the groundwater was found to be marginal — largely owing to the presence of fluoride, arsenic, iron, and chloride found in test wells — the Arbuckle-Timbered Hills aquifer was dubbed the most cost-effective alternative for the city. With the right treatment, Garver found, 5-10 MGD could be added to the community’s water supply.

In the study, which can be viewed by subscribers here, the authors outline how that problem can be solved by optimizing the water treatment process based on the contaminants existing in the water resource. In this case, that optimal treatment train consists of aluminum sulfate (‘alum’) coagulation, ultrafiltration, and nanofiltration membranes. The proposed water treatment model shows that it’s possible to produce potable water that meets drinking water guidelines at a favorable cost of production.

To learn more about what Garver’s Water Technology Team can do for you, visit our Water Technology Team page.