Cost Benefit Economics of Recycled Water Disinfection Technologies

An economic analysis of three advanced disinfection technologies for recycled water was conducted to determine the most suitable technology to be utilized after tertiary membrane filtration at a space limited WWTP in Northern California. The intended use for the recycled water is unrestricted irrigation. The technologies evaluated included in-vessel ultraviolet light (UV), a proprietary ozone system (HiPOx), and a pasteurization-based process. All of these disinfection technologies are California Title 22 approved for the production of recycled water. Conceptual designs were developed for each of the technologies based on integrating them into the existing plant. Sitespecific costs and benefits were evaluated for each of the technologies. The HiPOx system was determined to be the most cost effective technology for the application at this site. This type of economic analysis, which includes site-specific parameters, can help utilities determine the best available technology that meets their treatment requirements at the lowest cost.