MANATEE COUNTY UTILITIES
“ People are focusing on replacing existing and aging infrastructure , whether that be out in the system , or actually at treatment facilities themselves ”
– Mark Simpson , Water Division Manager at Manatee County Utilities
Further developments Another improvement has led to the construction of a new Biological Treatment Unit ( BTU ), which will house a new concrete facility , heating , ventilation and air conditioning ( HVAC ) and electrical system , concrete filter tanks , biological treatment filters and an on-site sanitary sewer collection system .
“ The BTU is primarily designed for the removal of off-taste causing compounds created by algal growth in Lake Manatee ,” Simpson notes . “ These compounds have not been found to be harmful , but they do create an earthy , musty taste that customers find objectionable , and it causes them to question the water quality . It also leads to additional expenses such as purchasing additional bottled water .
“ So , the BTU allows us to remove these compounds at a much greater efficiency than our current method of adding powdered activated carbon ( PAC ),” he adds . “ The cost for PAC use at our facility is at a million dollars a year .”
Additionally , both construction projects will be integrated with the transformation and replacement of the SCADA control system , which allows Manatee County to control the plant from the central hub . “ This upgrade will occur in the next year and a half ,” adds Simpson , “ as well as a maintenance management system ( CMMS ), which will enable the organization to optimize its reinvestment resources in both the water system and the waste water system .”
76 December 2017