What's Happening?
The Tampa City Council has approved funding for the design of a large-scale Suspended Ion Exchange (SIX) system at the David L. Tippin Water Treatment Facility. This project marks the first full-scale deployment of the SIX system in the United States
and is set to be the largest installation of its kind globally. The system is designed to treat up to 140 million gallons per day, aiming to improve water quality and reduce long-term operating costs. The decision follows extensive pilot testing and independent technical reviews that confirmed the technology's effectiveness. The project will be executed through a design-build partnership led by Garney and Wharton-Smith, with Carollo Engineers as the lead designer. The SIX technology, developed by PWNT, uses a resin-based ion exchange process to remove dissolved organic matter, offering an alternative to conventional coagulation methods.
Why It's Important?
This initiative is significant as it positions Tampa as a leader in water treatment innovation, potentially setting new standards for water utilities across the country. The implementation of the SIX system is expected to address seasonal challenges faced by the David L. Tippin facility, such as elevated total organic carbon levels that increase chemical demand and contribute to disinfection byproduct formation. By reducing chemical usage by up to 79% and improving filter efficiency, the project is projected to save $1.7 million to $1.9 million annually. The success of this project could encourage other utilities to adopt similar technologies, promoting more sustainable and cost-effective water treatment solutions nationwide.
What's Next?
With the design funding secured, the project will proceed to detailed engineering, permitting, and construction planning phases. Once operational, the facility is expected to serve as a national demonstration site for SIX technology, providing valuable operational data and guidance for other utilities considering similar treatment approaches. The project will likely attract attention from water utilities and environmental agencies interested in innovative water treatment solutions, potentially influencing future policy and investment decisions in the sector.
