October 20, 2015 – The Authority is considering using aeration in ground storage tanks to remove and reduce disinfection by-products in finished water. With aeration, water is simply sprayed into the air in very fine droplets that allow volatile compounds to escape to atmosphere. Pilot testing will be carried out by a team of engineering students from the University of Central Florida in early November.
The Authority regularly tests for two types of disinfection by-products: trihalomethanes and haleoacetic acids. These are formed when chlorine disinfectant, fed to keep water free of bacteria, comes into contact with organic compounds in water. Federal regulations on disinfection by-products were tightened in recent years, making it increasingly difficult for the Authority to meet standards without some additional treatment.