Photo by George Janczyn.
Advanced water purification facility begins operations for San Diego’s indirect potable reuse study (IPR)
by George J. Janczyn / Groksurf’s San Diego / July 1, 2011
The City of San Diego’s IPR (indirect potable reuse) study, now officially referred to as the Water Purification Demonstration Project by the Public Utilities Department, just passed a major milestone: the Advanced Water Purification Facility needed for the project is completed and operations have begun.
It’s been nearly one year (July 27, 2010) since the City Council approved a contract with Camp Dresser McKee for the advanced water treatment facility. The facility is a key component of the Demonstration Project which will study whether it’s feasible to purify recycled water to potable standards. The $11.8 million cost of the project is being funded with money generated from a temporary water rate increase for the past few years. The rate increase was cancelled after the needed funds were obtained.
The advanced purification facility was built to blend in as part of the North City Water Reclamation Plant. The reclamation plant currently cleans and processes wastewater to the tertiary level* which is clean enough to be used for irrigation and some industrial purposes (*this Wikipedia article provides a good overview of different levels of treatment).
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George Janczyn suggested we turn the headline around to read: “San Diego Water Reuse Purification Plant Opens” or “San Diego Recycled Water Purification Plant Opens” – I think he’s right. But it’s too late. Once a headline is up, it’s in cyberspace traveling around until it lands in your computer.