Demonstration of Cost and Energy Efficient Novel Technologies for Decarbonization of Water Reclamation Systems

Funded by the California Energy Commission (CEC), this project (EPC-24-019) aims to demonstrate and evaluate innovative water reclamation technologies that can improve the efficiency and affordability of water reuse in California. This project focuses on validating the performance and benefits of advanced water reclamation technologies in reducing electricity consumption, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, footprint requirements, and both capital and operational expenditure (CapEx and OpEx), while producing reclaimed water for non-potable and potable reuse applications that meet regulatory and compliance targets.

The project evaluates the implementation of three water reclamation technologies to support non-potable unrestricted reuse for applications such as landscape irrigation, including the MITA cloth media filter, the Taron activated sludge filter (Taron ASF), and the BeFlow continuous flow aerobic granular sludge process coupled with a membrane bioreactor (CAGS with MBR). The project also evaluates two water reclamation technologies to support potable reuse: ultrafiltration (UF) membrane and Impact reverse osmosis (Impact RO). The demonstration is being conducted at three wastewater treatment plants in California, operated by Linda County Water District, Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts, and Silicon Valley Clean Water, respectively.

Throughout the project, comprehensive performance monitoring and evaluation activities will be conducted to assess treatment effectiveness and regulatory compliance. Laboratory analysis will include key water quality parameters relevant to water reuse applications, including turbidity, total suspended solids (TSS), total organic carbon (TOC), nitrogen species, and pathogen indicator removal. Operational performance under real-world conditions, such as cleaning of cloth media or membranes and water recovery efficiency, will be recorded and evaluated. Energy consumption measurement and verification (M&V), GHG emission monitoring, and capital and operational cost estimates will also be performed to provide a holistic assessment of each technology.

As project lead, Caliskaner Water Technologies, Inc. (CWT) is working closely with technology providers, utilities, research institutions, and subject matter experts to evaluate treatment performance under real-world operating conditions and advance the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of innovative water reclamation technologies. The project will also support technology transfer through technical workshops, facility tours, conference presentations, and industry outreach activities to promote knowledge sharing and accelerate industry adoption.

The project is expected to provide valuable design, operational, and implementation guidance for future water reuse facilities. By validating the performance and benefits of innovative treatment technologies, the project will support California's long-term goals for water sustainability, non-potable and potable reuse expansion, drought resilience, decarbonization, and resource recovery.