Optimizing Ozone Systems For Bromate Control And Water Quality Enhancement In High-Bromide Groundwater Treatment

Bromate (BrO₃^–) formation is a key challenge in ozone-based oxidation of bromide-rich source waters due to its regulatory limits and health concerns. This white paper details a comprehensive investigation into persistent bromate exceedances at a municipal groundwater facility, integrating laboratory ozone demand testing, kinetic modeling, and hydrodynamic analysis. Contrary to initial assumptions, elevated bromate was driven by inadequate contactor mixing and exhausted granular activated carbon (GAC), rather than excessive ozone dose or source water chemistry alone. The paper presents corrective engineering recommendations and validates the approach through a real-world implementation, where a Pinnacle Ozone Solutions system significantly improved water quality metrics at a 4.5 MGD treatment plant. This work provides a roadmap for robust design, process control, and long-term compliance when deploying ozone technologies in municipal groundwater applications.