DWTP: Malgrat de MarDrinking water treatment plant in Malgrat de Mar (100 m³/h)

Introduction:
The water supplied to the municipality of Malgrat de Mar has high levels of iron (460 µg/l) and manganese (101 µg/l), exceeding the limits established by drinking water quality regulations. Initially, these metals are dissolved and colorless, but when they come into contact with oxidizing agents such as chlorine or oxygen in the air, they are transformed into insoluble and colored forms, significantly altering the organoleptic and sanitary quality of the water.

Location:
Malgrat de Mar, Catalonia, Spain

Problem:

• High presence of iron and manganese, with values above the legal limits for human consumption.
• Absence of sewage network, which makes it necessary to design a zero discharge facility.
• Risk of supply interruptions due to possible incidents in the treatment or pumping systems.

Solution:

• Installation of an ILERDAGUA water treatment plant with a design flow of 100 m³/h, operating continuously 24 hours a day.
• Oxidation system that transforms dissolved iron and manganese into insoluble forms.
• Subsequent filtration through a flint bed, designed to efficiently remove oxidized compounds and obtain high quality drinking water.

Results:

• The treated water complies with all the sanitary parameters required for drinking water, both in terms of chemical composition and organoleptic characteristics (color, odor and taste).
• Continuity of supply is guaranteed 24 hours a day, avoiding interruptions due to treatment incidents.
• The system has been designed to operate with zero discharge, which ensures environmentally responsible management adapted to the reality of the municipality, where there is no sewage network.
• The operation and maintenance process is safe, efficient and sustainable, with low energy and chemical consumption.

Key data:

• Constant treatment flow rate of 100 m³/h.
• Oxidation of iron and manganese with sodium hypochlorite. Requires a hydraulic retention time of more than 20 minutes.
• The operation of the filter is continuous as long as it receives water.
• The nominal filtration velocity ranges between 10 and 12 m³/m²-h.