NEW FILTRATION PROCESS ADDED TO WATER TREATMENT PLANT

John McPherson, General Manager, Cedar Key Water and Sewer District

August 3, 2020

They’ve arrived, they’ve been installed, and they’re adding a new level of treatment to Cedar Key’s drinking water: four large granulated activated carbon (GAC) filtration vessels. 

After the District’s drinking water goes through its usual multi-stage treatment process, these filtration vessels will provide a final polishing of the water before it is sent out to customers. 

The primary motivation for installing these filters is the need to reduce disinfectant byproducts (DBPs) in the water. The District has shared the problem of reducing these byproducts with many other utilities, and has tested many possible solutions over the years.

The installation of an ion exchange treatment process back in 2006 brought the DBP levels down below the maximums for most of the time, but there have been occasions when the levels have exceeded the maximums, probably due to the variability of the water the District draws from its well field.  Such exceedances are not an immediate health risk, but the State requires utilities to move towards reducing the levels over the long term.  

After successful testing of GAC filtration, the District is confident that the new filtration will keep the DBP levels consistently below maximum state-imposed levels. The District will be conducting monthly testing of the DBP levels and updates will be provided to customers.  

If you have any questions, feel free to contact John McPherson, General Manager, 352-317-7431, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  

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