Advantages Of Using Ozone And Biologically Active Filtration For Potable Reuse

By Uwe Hübner, PhD, and Joseph Jordan

Potable reuse is a critical water management strategy. Reverse osmosis (RO) is often considered the gold standard for any type of potable reuse. Combined with pre-treatment by microfiltration or ultrafiltration (MF/UF) and post-treatment by UV-AOP (advanced oxidation process), it has held a reputation for producing the highest-quality water of any treatment technology. However, more recently, many water authorities are discovering that carbon-based treatment with ozone and biologically active filtration (O3-BAF) –– sometimes known as ozone and biologically active carbon (O3-BAC) –– can be used as an alternative to RO for IPR, particularly inland where brine disposal is difficult.

Similarly, in DPR application, O3-BAF can supplement RO to add an additional barrier for chemicals and pathogens. At the same time, it can help reduce costs and improve operational efficiency. Understanding how O3-BAF systems work and their benefits in reuse can help water authorities meet cost, treatment, and sustainability goals.