When a confidential manufacturing client needed help addressing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in their wastewater, Barr was hired to design a treatment system for PFAS as well as a pre-treatment system that enhances PFAS removal. Later, when the client wanted to convert their facility to “zero discharge” to save the costs and time involved in permitting with the local municipality—and to further protect human health and the environment—they turned to Barr to add a second system that reroutes discharge for additional treatment followed by reuse as process water.
Barr produced a conceptual design and a design-basis report, which included an evaluation of the facility’s water balance to confirm that the new system wouldn't result in excess water. We also evaluated water quality and chemistry to determine that the treated water would be appropriate for reuse. Because the state didn't have water-reuse guidance, Barr studied EPA, industry, and other states’ guidance documents to help establish a water-reuse treatment target for the client.
Our technology evaluation resulted in the client selecting an ultraviolet (UV) treatment system to treat the biological constituents remaining in the water after the pretreatment and PFAS treatment. Barr designed the system’s pumps, pipes, control panel and controls, storage system, and UV disinfection reactor. To determine the needed UV dosage, we sent water samples to the equipment vendor for testing. We also prepared data sheets to aid our client with equipment purchases and installation.
The wastewater reuse system is now successful and has reduced the operation and maintenance costs for the PFAS treatment and pretreatment in addition to the costs involved in permitting wastewater discharges.
(stock photo shown above)