Water Treatment Plant Optimization Becomes More Comprehensive

As water utilities plan for a more sustainable, lower emissions future, the scope of the term “optimization” is expanding.

Most treatment facility owners and operators have optimized their operations or systems in some way or another in the past, but the push for greater efficiency within sustainability initiatives is driving a more comprehensive approach to water treatment plant optimization.

“Making the most of existing treatment is a proven way to expand capacity and/or improve performance, so optimization is well-known and long-revered as an important strategy in that respect,” writes Christine DeBarbadillo, associate vice president and plant optimization practice leader for Black & Veatch, a recent article for Water Online.

DeBarbadillo goes on to explain that under this broader definition of optimization, utilities are working to meet new environmental regulations, adjusting to workforce changes, and managing capital investments and operating costs. The concept works best when considered as a continuous cycle, from planning, design, and operations to maintenance, asset management and data analytics.

Water utilities are increasingly adopting this all-inclusive approach to optimization, which deploys new treatment technologies, data-driven asset management, and efficiency-focused design choices, helping to ensure high-performance and longevity of water treatment assets.

“This integrated-solutions approach also applies to optimization practices and creates valuable synergy across the myriad aspects of facility management,” said DeBarbadillo. “Long-term operation is most effective when all components work together in a fully optimized facility.”