Xylem to deliver UV disinfection-based technology for wastewater treatment facility in Maryland, US

US-based water technology provider Xylem has won a contract to deliver advanced treatment technology to an existing chlorination-based wastewater treatment facility in Frederick, Maryland.

The new technology solution will be based on UV disinfection, and is expected to improve the quality of water in Chesapeake Bay for which Frederick is a major contributor.

Water quality in the bay’s watershed is being affected by the entry of excess nutrients in the system, which stimulates algal bloom.

Excess algal bloom restricts the sun rays’ reach to underwater grasses and results in removal of oxygen from the water, which hampers the natural ecosystem.

City of Frederick public works deputy director Marc Stachowski said: "The Chesapeake Bay area is a unique ecosystem that needs to be protected.

"It is our goal to comply with the requirements of the Chesapeake Bay Initiative Enhanced Nutrient Removal programme and, as part of this process, the city is converting a key element of its water treatment process from chemical (chlorine) to ultraviolet (UV) disinfection.

"Xylem is supporting this project by developing innovative and sustainable ways to reduce the levels of nitrate nitrogen and total phosphorus in the water before it is discharged into the Chesapeake Bay."

Construction works for the wastewater treatment facility will start later this year and is expected to be operational from mid-2017.

Besides delivering the technology solution, the American firm will also offer training and service support to the operators of the facility to ensure smooth transition of the treatment process to be used.

Xylem treatment sales for North America director Greg Claffey said: "By switching from chlorine to UV disinfection, the City of Frederick will reduce the disinfection by-products going back into receiving streams.

"Furthermore, the removal of chlorine makes the site and the surrounding community a safer place to live and work."