Case Study: Award Winning Metsorb® Arsenic Treatment Installation In Arizona

The EPA's Arsenic drinking water standard has presented significant challenges for drinking water systems throughout the U.S. Utilities, both large and small, are experiencing the daunting task of complying with a maximum contaminant level of 10 parts per billion (ppb) or face stiff fines and even the potential shutdown of wells. Smaller utilities often face the most difficult challenge due to limited manpower and budget constraints. One such utility located in Northern Yavapai County, Arizona, evaluated several treatment technologies before turning to the patented MetSorb® HMRG titanium based adsorbent media manufactured by Graver Technologies LLC, a MARMON WATER/BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY COMPANY.

The utility, a long established private water company, has been providing quality drinking water to the surrounding community for over 45 years. Today the water company supplies drinking water to nearly 640 connections from a series of groundwater wells. Upon identifying arsenic in the combined flow at a concentration in excess of 10 µg/l, The utility. investigated various treatment technologies and non-treatment options. They focused their sights on adsorbent technologies, taking advantage of the lower capital investment and the ease of operation and system maintenance associated with adsorbent technologies. Following an extensive review, the technical and operational advantages of the Metsorb® adsorbent technology over iron based media and hybrid ion exchange resins secured their decision. Metsorb® titanium based adsorbent technology became the adsorbent media of choice due to the high selectivity for arsenic, even in the presence of competing contaminants, and the physical stability of the media, allowing for a reduction in volume and frequency of backwash.