AWWA JAW31493

The organics and inorganics rejection characteristics of eight types of reverse osmosis membranes operating on a source of highly colored groundwater in Orange County, Southern California, were determined. All eight membranes were capable of removing color from groundwater. Additional long-term testing of four membranes--two brackish water (BW) and two softening-nanofiltration (NF) membranes--was carried out at relatively high flux rates and increased recovery. These membranes produced a color level of 3 pcu or less, far below the current drinking water standard of 15 color units. Trihalomethane formation potential was effectively removed by both types of membrane. The NF membranes were more energy efficient than the BW membranes. Includes 24 references, tables, figures.