Economics of Potable Reuse with Partial Reverse Osmosis Treatment Schemes for Inland Communities

This paper presents a techno-economic analysis of Advanced Water Treatment (AWT) Systems for partial Reverse Osmosis (RO) treatment schemes for potable reuse applications for inland utilities. Treatment process design considerations for two scenarios of partial RO treatment schemes for potable reuse are explored and expected produced water quality was identified. Capital and operating costs for each treatment scenario are presented and compared with baseline advanced treatment alternatives using RO-based Advanced Treatment (RBAT) and Carbonbased Advanced Treatment (CBAT). This study shows a partial RO treatment train can be used cost-effectively to provide inorganics removal required for some inland communities. Treatment trains decisions can be dependent on social, environmental, technical, economic, and regulatory considerations. This study informs decision-making about potable reuse treatment trains by comparing the planning level cost estimates and technical performance of partial RO potable reuse treatment scenarios for inland communities.