AWWA WQTC60741

This paper describes the steps the Deer Valley Unified School District (DVUSD) took at New River Elementary School, an Arizona Nontransient Noncommunity Water System (NTNCWS), to reduce Arsenic concentrations of 44 µg/L from the existing well and to minimize Arsenic concentrations in a new well within a very short funding schedule. DVUSD received a grant for upgrades with a requirement to spend all monies by July 30, 2004, much quicker than the 2006 deadline others are faced with to gain Arsenic compliance. Without time for pilot testing, a creative plan of action was taken to select a technology, verify performance and install the technology by July 2004. The initial focus was to determine the simplest Arsenic removal technology for the operators, taking water quality at the two well sites into account. Even with challenging water quality conditions of silica concentrations of 46 mg/L, adsorption was selected as the most viable alternative for the 25 gpm well site. Rapid small-scale column tests (RSSCTs) were conducted in the field to compare the performance of iron-based adsorbents with this water. The results of these tests were used to prequalify package system vendors for contractor bidding purposes. Piping, electrical and telemetry upgrades were also made to gain better operating conditions. Construction was completed in August 2004, shortly after the deadline and funding was still supported even though the project was delivered a month late. The findings of this work can be applied to other NTNCWS's and small systems with similar water qualities. Includes tables, figures.