STRATEGIC FOCUS AREA
Water Reuse & Treatment Technologies
Effective water infrastructure is critical for ensuring public health, supporting economic development, and protecting the environment.
Investment in water infrastructure is essential for addressing aging infrastructure, expanding access to safe drinking water and sanitation services, improving water quality, and building resilience to climate change and water-related disasters
Water infrastructure plays a crucial role in sustainable water management, particularly in regions facing water scarcity or increased water demand due to population growth and economic development.
Our team is dedicated to researching and developing the best solutions for clean water access and reliability through sustainable water infrastructure, which is why we focus on hybrid centralized/decentralized systems. These systems foster conservation, resource recovery and reuse, increased co-benefits for community health and wellbeing, and enhanced ecological integrity.
At OWSI, we study a variety of technologies including green infrastructure, urban stormwater control systems, onsite water systems, and advanced water treatment systems. We also develop modeling and analysis tools for assessment of new generation water infrastructure systems.
Water Treatment Technologies
We research fit-for-purpose water application strategies for potable end-uses using novel and efficient treatment technologies in pilot-scale systems at the CSU Spur Water TAP laboratory.
Fit-for-Purpose Water
We explore a fit-for-purpose approach to water use that promotes the efficient use of water resources, reduces energy and costs associated with water treatment, and supports the transition towards One Water.
Nature-based Solutions
We examine new approaches for managing stormwater by integrating natural elements into urban and rural landscapes to manage water, mitigate climate risks, and enhance biodiversity.
Resource Recovery
We find sustainable ways to manage waste and maximize the recovery of materials, energy, and nutrients to minimize environmental impact and promote efficiency.
The first of its kind, this cutting-edge facility is a platform for testing new water treatment technologies on different water sources to study the best ways we can clean and reuse water.
The Water TAP currently provides access to five different onsite water sources at flow rates near 1000 gallons per day with an additional capacity to include other sources as needed:
- Urban stormwater
- Graywater
- Rainwater (roof runoff)
- Raw water (South Platte River)
- Recycled wastewater
Minus Water Treatment System
At our CSU Spur Water TAP facility we are using ultrafiltration membranes to remove contaminants from stormwater collected in underground storage vaults in the Hydro Backyard. This system reduces pathogens and contaminants without the need to add chlorine (chemical) or ultraviolet treatment (energy).
How do membranes work?
Membranes are used in water treatment to separate contaminants such as viruses, bacteria, and some chemicals, from water based on properties such as size or charge. Water is passed through the membrane to remove contaminants and produce cleaner water.
How do we measure water quality?
After the raw water is pushed through the ultrafiltration membranes, special instruments continuously measure different characteristics of the cleaned water every 15-minutes:
- Turbidimeters measure water clarity
- Particle Counters measure particles in the water
What can we do with the cleaned water?
Once scientists analyze the water quality, the water produced by Minus can be used for a variety of things when treated to the appropriate level:
- Irrigation (outdoor plants, edible crops, and gardens)
- Potable uses such as drinking water
- Toilet flushing
Resilient Water Systems
Alternate Water Sources
Non-traditional supplies are increasingly being considered to increase water supply reliability and promote use of local water sources. Sources that can be considered include stormwater, roof runoff, foundation drainage, graywater and wastewater. These water sources can be used at the building to municipal scale.
Fit-for-Purpose Water Use
“Fit-for-purpose” is the practice of matching the right source of water, treated to the required level for the final end use. This approach recognizes that not all water uses require the same level of water quality, and it aims to optimize water resources by using the most appropriate type of water for each application.
One Water Communities
We examine the potential for these water sources to increase water supply reliability across scales and regions. Our team explores the quality of each water source so that appropriate treatment systems can be designed to supply water that is treated specific to the end use and is protective of public health.
Expertise
- Assessment of demand reduction potential and co-benefits associated with use of alternative water sources
- Risk-based treatment targets for fit-for-purpose Water
- Characterization of microbial quality of alternate water sources
- Performance of treatment technologies to achieve pathogen reduction
Nature-based Solutions
Nature-based solutions (NBS) are sustainable approaches that harness the power of nature to address various environmental challenges and promote human well-being. These solutions leverage ecosystem functions, biodiversity, and natural processes to provide cost-effective and resilient solutions to issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, water scarcity, and urbanization
We explore multiple co-benefits associated with NBS including biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, sustainable development, and human well-being. Our experts examine performance, costs, and benefits that can be realized when we combine natural and engineered solutions to address water-related challenges such as flooding, water pollution, and water scarcity.
Expertise
- Green and blue/green infrastructure
- Life-cycle cost analysis
- Performance modeling of nature-based solutions across varying climates
- Design, review, inspection and maintenance of green stormwater infrastructure
- Ecosystem restoration
- Flood management
Resource Recovery
With many communities taking on large infrastructure replacement and urban redevelopment projects, the opportunity arises to re-think the conventional approach and look at urban water systems as sources of renewable water, energy and nutrients that can help urban areas continue to thrive with increased economic development, while also protecting pristine environments.
We examine technologies to improve contaminant removal from wastewater, while also achieving energy and cost efficiency. We explore the innovations needed to efficiently recover nutrients and energy from water and waste materials. Our experts identify opportunities to overcome sustainability challenges by converting wastewater treatment facilities into resource recovery facilities.
Expertise
- Assessment of efficacy of wastewater nutrient removal and recovery technologies for systems level water quality and energy benefits
- Innovative technologies for nitrogen recovery
- Technology development to harvest energy and nutrients from dry lot collected manure
- Systems level impacts of urine diversion with nutrient recovery
- Identification of unit process configurations to enhance wastewater treatment and cost efficiency
- Impacts of water conservation and reuse strategies on wastewater