Advanced reverse osmosis design
A four-stage RO system achieves 94–96% recovery, far exceeding the 75–85% typical for brackish treatment systems.
Facing drought and dwindling groundwater, a Colorado utility looked to pioneer a high-recovery reverse osmosis system that delivers sustainable, high-quality drinking water.
East Cherry Creek Valley Water and Sanitation District
Aurora, Colorado
As population growth and persistent drought placed increasing pressure on its limited groundwater resources, East Cherry Creek Valley Water & Sanitation District (ECCV) implemented an advanced four-stage reverse osmosis (RO) system that transforms brackish groundwater into a reliable, high-quality and environmentally responsible drinking water source for the future.
A four-stage RO system achieves 94–96% recovery, far exceeding the 75–85% typical for brackish treatment systems.
Two deep-injection wells safely pump the concentrate 10,000 feet underground, making ECCV a national pioneer in the method.
At $2.80 per 1,000 gallons, water production costs are one-third of the industry benchmark for brackish RO facilities.
Facility expansion, automated cleaning processes and RO stages deliver long-term reliability and maintenance.
ECCV’s high-recovery RO facility has set new performance benchmarks for municipal utilities, reducing brine volume by 70% while achieving sustainable supply for one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions. “We had to bring all our past projects and R&D experience to figure out a way to make it work,” said Tim Rynders, our discipline leader for water treatment process and piloting.