Disinfection For Municipal Water Supply, Montana, US

The Big Sky district in Montana, spanning 228 square miles and serving approximately 2,600 customers, has been grappling with the challenge of increasing summer water demand for irrigation. Renowned for its high-quality drinking water, which has garnered state and national taste awards, the district recognized the necessity to expand its well system by drilling two new groundwater wells. However, with a static water level of around 15 feet, these wells required disinfection to adhere to U.S. EPA groundwater regulations. Faced with the dilemma of maintaining water quality while avoiding chlorine—due to its potential impact on taste and the pristine environment surrounding the Gallatin River—the water board opted for a more costly UV disinfection system. General Manager Ron Edwards underscored their commitment to preserving the water's purity, even at a higher financial cost, reflecting the district’s dedication to environmental stewardship. To address these needs, the district implemented Atlantium Technologies' Hydro-Optic Disinfection (HOD™) UV technology, a leader in water safety for over two decades.

This innovative system, chosen for its compact design and ease of maintenance, was installed at a cost of $650,000. Each of the two main UV channels processes 1,000 gallons per minute and features quartz tubes for effortless cleaning. The system not only ensures compliance with state regulations through real-time reporting on virus and microbial removal but also enhances operational efficiency.