Clearwater Public Utilities, Florida, USA – Planned project currently on hold due to cost constraints
The City of Clearwater, Florida began to pilot a groundwater replenishment scheme with a feasibility study in 2009, then a pilot facility tested the technology for a year (June 2013 to June 2014). By 2016 Clearwater was the first city in Florida to design a full-scale groundwater replenishment facility, modelling it on a similar pioneering plant that launched in Orange County, California, in 2008.
The idea was to improve groundwater levels in an aquifer while minimising the impacts of potential withdrawals from City wells. The pilot system used a multi-barrier treatment process that included ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis, and an advanced oxidation process, along with other techniques, to purify the water.
After 10 years and an investment of $6.2 million, Clearwater had the final design and all permits needed to break ground. However, higher-than-expected building and operation costs have delayed construction indefinitely. It is expected that it will cost significantly more to finish the project than what was originally estimated. Currently, there are no facilities in Florida turning recycled wastewater into drinking water for consumers, but several municipalities have completed pilot studies or are undergoing planning. The state currently is developing regulations to guide uniform permitting and construction on reusing highly treated wastewater for potable use.
There is a detailed explanation of Clearwater’s experience here: Once leading the way in Florida, Clearwater’s plan to turn wastewater to drinking water is on hold
