Clay County Utility Authority, Florida, USA – Planned/Exploring purified recycled water options for the future using a carbon-based treatment train
Clay County Utility Authority provides water, sewer, and reclaimed water services to over 55,000 customers in the unincorporated areas of Clay County. Northeast Florida continues to grow rapidly, and Clay County Utility Authority expects the served population to approximately double in the next 20 to 25 years. As the population grows, Clay County Utility Authority is taking proactive measures to ensure Clay County has a reliable and sustainable water supply for generations to come.
Currently, water for Clay County Utility Authority customers is sourced from the Floridan Aquifer. The groundwater from the aquifer is the region’s best source of high-quality, low-cost water. But the aquifer is approaching its sustainable limit, and additional sources need to be identified to serve future supply needs. Other potential sources are ocean water, stormwater, river water, and reclaimed water. Reclaimed water is the cleanest and easiest to treat to drinking water standards of these four sources and is a reliable source.
Clay County Utility Authority operates an extensive public access reclaimed water program which treats wastewater for irrigation purposes. Reclaimed water can be used as a source water and treated further so the final product is suitable for drinking water.
Clay County Utility Authority is starting a demonstration project in 2024 of a carbon-based potable reuse system. The method relies on multiple tried-and-true water treatment processes, which Clay County Utility Authority is testing through our new pilot program, Project Quench.
The demonstration facility will not service any customers. All water produced will be recycled on-site.
The project will showcase the water treatment process using advanced technology and serve as a training center for staff. It will also offer a touring platform for the public to learn about the treatment technologies and view the process firsthand. Project Quench is expected to be operational in Spring 2024.
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