AWWA ACE92115

Des Moines Water Works was aware of the public's concern regarding nitrate in its drinking water supply. There was also an awareness that residual nitrogen levels in soil would contribute to high nitrate levels in surface and groundwater supplies in the future. The utility began a pilot study regarding nitrate removal. The study initially reviewed the nitrate removal technologies available. The following were identified as potential technologies for nitrate removal: nitrate reduction through biological assimilation; microbiological denitrification; chemical reduction; reverse osmosis; electrodialysis; ion exchange. Results of the bench and pilot scale studies were used during final design and construction of a 10 MGD Nitrate Removal Facility with eight ion exchange vessels.