Overview

Aqua Pennsylvania identified rising arsenic concentrations at its Turnbury Well in its Superior Water system, located in New Hanover Township, Montgomery County. Although levels had not yet exceeded the EPA’s Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Aqua proactively sought to ensure water quality compliance and avoid future regulatory violations by removing the rising, naturally occurring contaminant.

To maintain its commitment to safe, reliable drinking water, Aqua engaged Entech Engineering to design and permit a new arsenic removal system within the existing well facility. The project reflected Aqua’s forward-thinking approach to public health protection and Entech’s expertise in water treatment system design.

Aqua was familiar with the options for arsenic treatment systems, as it operates several other wells with this treatment system. To that end, Aqua desired to utilize this familiar treatment system manufactured by AdEdge, using an absorption media removal process.

We worked with AdEdge in reviewing the raw water quality data to confirm the treatment system would be appropriate. Given the relatively low capacity of the Turnbury Well (135 gpm), Aqua selected a skid style treatment system, which provided a cost-effective treatment solution.

Aqua wanted to have the treatment system installed within the existing Turnbury Well facility, which had a large steel pressure relief tank that was no longer used, and once removed from the building, allowed adequate room to house the arsenic treatment equipment. A new door was installed on the building for installation of the new equipment.

We provided design, permitting, bidding and services during construction for the well house and site modifications and installation of the new treatment system.

The completed system ensures compliance with regulatory standards while protecting Aqua’s customers from potential contamination. By designing the system within the existing building, Aqua achieved a compact, maintainable, and cost-effective solution that minimized site disturbance. Using a system that aligns with equipment already familiar to Aqua staff also reduces operational costs and minimizes the time required for training and implementation.