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Brine Disposal Options for Small Systems in California's Central Valley
Author(s) -
Jensen Vivian B.,
Darby Jeannie L.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal ‐ american water works association
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.466
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1551-8833
pISSN - 0003-150X
DOI - 10.5942/jawwa.2016.108.0045
Subject(s) - brine , environmental science , waste disposal , wastewater , waste management , environmental engineering , water resource management , engineering , physics , thermodynamics
Disposal of waste residuals from drinking water treatment processes can be costly, particularly for small inland communities. Brine waste management options for nitrate‐impacted small systems in the Central Valley of California were examined with regard to feasibility, sustainability, and affordability. Onsite evaporation, landfill evaporation, landfill solidification, and coastal wastewater treatment plant disposal were considered for a base‐case scenario—i.e., a small Visalia, Calif., system using anion exchange with a 1% waste rate. Estimated minimum disposal costs for the base case ranged from $0.60 to $4.44/1,000 gal of treated water across small system sizes, approaching the average total cost of tap water in the United States ($4.58/1,000 gal). Onsite evaporation and coastal disposal were identified as the least costly options currently available. Brine waste minimization can decrease disposal costs up to 95%. Given the high disposal costs for individual small systems in the region, development of sustainable and affordable regional solutions is warranted.