Resiliency in drinking water systems has become a broad discussion as many systems have experienced operational and quality problems. Like much of our ageing infrastructure, the backlog of needed updates and repairs continues to grow. Infrastructure improvements are expensive, and the cost burden of the improvements is borne by the user, in one way or another. Geomembranes are cost effective, engineered materials that help reduce costs in water, wastewater and many infrastructure projects. This blog will take a brief look at those drinking water cost savings applications.
A recent study by Duke University’s Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment and Sustainability concluded that 17% of US households struggle to afford basic water service. The study was based on 787 communities served by the largest utilities in the United States. Those communities represent half of the population. It is widely agreed that utilities’ costs have risen faster than customers’ incomes. Also, Advanced Treatment processes necessary to comply with upcoming PFAS Maximum Containment levels will add additional costs to treatment. In the absence of an infusion of public funding, utilities are a customer supported service.
Geomembranes used in drinking water systems have been proven to improve the efficiency and quality of drinking water. But while drinking water must be clean and meet regulatory standards, it must also be affordable. The following are ways geomembranes provide cost savings over other technologies to improve efficiencies and thus, lower costs.
XR-PW Lined Raw Water Impoundment
City of Franklin, TN USA
8130 XR-3 PW Diversion Curtains
First Utility District, Knoxville, TN
8142 XR-5PW lined and covered Finished Water Reservoir
City of Erie, PA USA
All geomembranes used in the potable water sourcing, treatment and storage must be evaluated by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) and certified by the NSF to comply with their standard no. 61. While raw water is not technically required to be certified, as the standard applies to materials touching potable (not raw) water, it is considered good practice to also use NSF-61 evaluated and approved materials in raw water impoundments.
To read the complete Duke University report, go here.
For more information on raw water storage, go here.