AWWA MTC50236

The Kansas City, Kansas, Board of Public Utilities (BPU), a large surface water supplier serving a population of nearly 150,000, is an active participant in the federally-mandated Information Collection Rule (ICR). The water processing facility located on the Quindaro Bend of the Missouri River is a conventional clarification plant with an average day demand of 28 MGD and maximum day demand of 40 MGD. The seasonal total organic carbon (TOC) levels of the Missouri River water range from 1.8 mg/L to 12.1 mg/L with an average value of 4.0 mg/L. BPU has conducted various bench, pilot and full-scale test to optimize the treatment process and to comply with the drinking water regulations. The year-long nanofiltration membrane study is another example of BPU's proactive investment in the emerging technologies. After careful thought and deliberation, BPU decided to fulfill the requirements of the ICR by conducting a single element bench-scale test (SEBST) using a single membrane element in a continuous flow mode. The rationale for conducting a single element study is that the utility felt a single element study would produce more consistent data for future design purposes. This paper addresses both the design and operational aspects of the SEBST program at BPU and discusses its implication for future plant process modifications. Includes table.