Introduction to Engineering Dr. Kimberly L. Jones

Fall 2003 Brian Galloway (TA)

Satellite Classroom 2010 LKD John Sodimu (TA)

Mini-Design Project

Arsenic Treatment for Domestic Water Systems

Background

Naturally occurring arsenic occurs in New Mexico water supplies at levels exceeding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently adopted drinking water standard. This standard requires a maximum of 10 parts per billion (ppb) arsenic, which must be achieved by 2006. Current treatment technologies are prohibitively expensive for rural communities of New Mexico. Viable treatment technologies developed for rural New Mexico will be useful in foreign countries as well.

Problem Statement

A civil engineering company has been asked to do the following for the State of New Mexico:

Develop a cost-effective treatment technology (including materials and supplies, operations, maintenance, and waste disposition) to remove arsenic from drinking water in small water delivery and domestic water systems.

Design Considerations

v Ease of use

v Affordability

v Potential health risks

v Reliability

v Cost effective operation

v Energy efficiency