Successful Outcome Leads to Full Plan Design

In 2020, the New York State Department of Health will set a maximum contaminant level (MCL) for the emerging contaminant 1,4-dioxane at 1.0 parts per billion (ppb). Within SFWD, there is only one well that exceeds this threshold. To comply with the upcoming state standard, the District has committed to installing an Advanced Oxidation Process (AOP) at Plant No. 3, Well 3-1, to maintain the high quality standards SFWD is committed to providing. SFWD does not plan on using Well 3-1 at this time, and there is plenty of redundancy within the District to continue an uninterrupted supply of water. Any and all action taken by the District will not affect water quality and water flow for our consumers. To establish proof of concept, SFWD developed an advanced oxidation process pilot program this summer to effectively remove 1,4-dioxane from our source water. The District brought in scientists with leading technology and instrumentation for a full week of testing. Once the testing was completed, samples were brought back to a lab for review of all variables and chemical rates. The Board of Water Commissioners is extremely pleased to report that the pilot program was successful, and the District has gained proof of a successful concept to start the design phase for full-scale treatment. Construction will begin in Summer 2020 and the District anticipates Well 3-1 will be back online within one year. A $3 million grant covers part of the estimated $5 million cost of the construction of the AOP. The remaining budget is covered within our Capital Improvement Campaign.