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Water Purification Process

Water produced from the Groundwater Replenishment System will undergo one of the world's most advanced, state-of-the-art, purification processes. Water will be purified using a three-step process of microfiltration, reverse osmosis and ultraviolet light and hydrogen peroxide treatment techniques.

 



Water from the Groundwater Replenishment System will be so pure that it will help soften Orange County's drinking water, by reducing minerals in water that cause corrosion and scaling of plumbing fixtures and appliances.

Animations:

The first process is microfiltration (MF). Microfiltration is a low-pressure membrane process that removes small suspended particles, protozoa, bacteria and some viruses from the water. MF is also used to purify food products, such as fruit juices, wine and baby foods, and to sterilize medicines that cannot be heated.

The next, and most widely known process, is reverse osmosis (RO). Reverse osmosis is used by many bottled water companies to purify water for their products. Water is directed under high pressure through thin membranes that eliminate salts, viruses, pesticides, and most organic compounds, creating near-distilled quality water.

UV Light and Hydrogen Peroxide
The final stage of the water-treatment process is ultraviolet (UV) light and hydrogen peroxide treatment. Ultraviolet light combined with hydrogen peroxide creates a powerful oxidation reaction that breaks down organic compounds through an accelerated decomposition process. This advanced oxidation process essentially degrades compounds in the same way as Mother Nature, only much more quickly. The result of the multiple treatment barriers is ultra pure quality water similar to distilled water. After the advanced water purification processes the water is returned to nature in the groundwater basin where it blends with other waters and is buffered with natural minerals

This highly treated water will now be injected along the coast to maintain a seawater intrusion barrier to keep the Pacific Ocean out of our groundwater basin. Water will also be allowed to percolate into the groundwater basin along the same natural filtering path rainwater takes through the ground. This water purification process has a proven track record in providing safe, high quality water for many businesses including bottled water companies.