AWWA JAW26387

Florida water suppliers have been using membrane treatment technology for decades. The first membrane systems were used in isolated instances for desalinating limited amounts of seawater; costs were high and the technology was relatively unperfected. Rapid development of coastal areas, with their abundant supplies of brackish water, has led many larger water suppliers to turn to membrane systems to meet increasing demand. Advances in membrane technology, its ability to produce high-quality water, and the flexibility offered by modular expandability have enhanced the cost-effectiveness of reverse osmosis and electrodialysis as treatment options. Almost 100 Florida water systems are now using membrane processes to produce a total of nearly 50 mgd, and existing plans call for total production capacity to more than triple. Considering the changes in water quality concerns brought about by the 1986 Safe Drinking Water Act amendments, many other areas of the country will also have to consider the use of membrane technology. Includes 13 references, tables.