City of Wheeler Citywide Reverse Osmosis Treatment Plant
In 2016, Parkhill completed the Wheeler Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment Plant in Wheeler, Texas, addressing the city’s historic high nitrate levels in groundwater. The plant, unique to the Texas Panhandle, uses reverse osmosis technology to treat 1 million gallons per day (MGD) of groundwater, offering a sustainable solution to the city’s water quality issues. After evaluating various alternatives, the city chose to treat its existing groundwater using reverse osmosis to address nitrates and other potential contaminants.
Ensuring Effective Treatment
Parkhill coordinated a pilot study, as required by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), to test the effectiveness of the reverse osmosis system. The study demonstrated that the system could reject over 96% of nitrates in the groundwater, validating it as a reliable treatment method. The plant’s design supports future expansion to 2.0 MGD, ensuring scalability as the city’s needs grow.
Comprehensive Design and Implementation
The Wheeler plant includes a new treatment building, a 25,000-gallon storage tank, a concentrate tank, and a relocated public water filling station. Parkhill also incorporated a gas chlorination system, chemical feed systems, and numerous electrical upgrades. To ensure continuous water supply, a backup generator and power system were installed.
Ensuring Quality Control During Construction
Throughout construction, Parkhill’s Resident Project Representative Team maintained quality control, ensuring that the facility met all specifications. Upon startup, Parkhill managed blend ratios and post-treatment, facilitating a seamless transition to reverse osmosis water. The Wheeler Reverse Osmosis Plant stands as a testament to the city’s commitment to safe and reliable water.
