The James E. Anderson (JEA) Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment Plant, in partnership with Kimley-Horn, recently started a membrane pilot test at the plant. The JEA facility has been in operation for about 15 years treating brackish well water, which is a combination of fresh and saltwater, to produce drinking water. The reverse osmosis membranes remove the salts present and leave high quality drinking water for our consumption.

The membranes have reached their useful life expectancy and are in need of replacement. The pilot testing utilizes a small treatment unit to mimic the full-scale facility in comparing multiple membrane element’s performance. This effort will determine:

• The stated salt rejection and confirm the best water quality for the facility
• Predicted operating expenses (chemical cost, energy, cleaning frequencies, etc.)
• Cutting edge stage-alternation technology’s applicability at JEA

Over the course of 30 weeks, we will be testing the three best performing membranes selected from the software analysis completed by Kimley-Horn and reviewed with City Staff. The City operations team will be collecting daily samples and data throughout the test to confirm performance compared to the existing operation and other tested membrane elements.

Once testing is complete and a membrane has been selected, the City will then move forward with replacement of the existing membranes at JEA. The potential benefits for the next 10-15 years due to changing out the membranes will include:

• Reduced operating costs and energy usage
• Increased water recovery
• Further improved water quality to customers
• Increased system reliability

The pilot testing adds hands-on training for operators across the Utility for the water treatment system operation and process knowledge. The operators are having fun and learning a lot.

For more information, contact:
Jenny Tomes
Utility Marketing and Digital Video Coordinator
(772) 871-5131
jtomes@cityofpsl.com