Advanced Purified Water | How TMWA Is Building Reno's Future Water Supply
What if recycled water could become part of Northern Nevada's future drinking water supply? On 2 Plus You Nevada, host Sarah Johns sits down with Dr. Lydia Teel of Truckee Meadows Water Authority (TMWA) to explore the new Advanced Purified Water Facility being developed with the City of Reno near Lear Boulevard in Stead.
Dr. Teel explains how advanced purification can take highly treated recycled water through additional treatment processes before it is used to replenish a groundwater aquifer for future use. From ozone and biologically activated carbon to ultraviolet treatment, learn how the technology works, why the project was designed without reverse osmosis, and how years of research, testing and regulatory oversight are helping create a new locally managed water resource for the Reno region.
🚨 Segment Highlights:
💧 The Future of Water in Northern Nevada
• TMWA and the City of Reno recently broke ground on the Advanced Purified Water Facility
• The project builds upon years of research, pilot studies and planning
• Purified water will eventually help replenish groundwater for future use
♻️ How Recycled Water Becomes Advanced Purified Water
• The process begins with already-treated recycled water
• Additional purification targets compounds that aren't wanted in the finished water
• Multiple treatment barriers are used before the water reaches the groundwater aquifer
🔬 Inside the Advanced Purification Process
• Ozone is used as part of the treatment process
• Biologically activated carbon uses microorganisms to help break down compounds
• Additional processes include treatment technologies also used in drinking-water systems
🧂 Why TMWA Isn't Using Reverse Osmosis
• Reverse osmosis creates a concentrated brine waste stream
• Managing that brine presents challenges for an inland community
• The project uses a treatment approach designed specifically for regional conditions
🌎 Replenishing Groundwater for Future Use
• Finished advanced purified water must meet required quality standards before injection
• The water will be placed into a groundwater aquifer and stored for future use
• The aquifer provides an additional environmental step before the resource is eventually needed
🧪 Testing, Regulations & Water Quality
• The project is subject to additional requirements because of the water's original source
• Treatment targets include pharmaceuticals and other compounds of concern
• Testing will continue before purified water is introduced into the groundwater aquifer
🏗️ Construction & What's Next
• Construction is expected to take approximately three years
• A testing phase will follow before groundwater replenishment begins
• The facility will include public education opportunities about advanced water purification
🌐 Learn More About TMWA & Our Region's Water:
#AdvancedPurifiedWater #TMWA #2PlusYouNevada
