Hickerson Water Reclamation Facility Filter Upgrade
After two decades of service, the sand filters at Hickerson Water Reclamation Plant (WRP) were becoming increasingly difficult to maintain due to a shortage of replacement parts. To address this, Parkhill developed a pilot protocol to evaluate four new cloth media filter technologies as potential replacements.
From Sand to Cloth
The pilot testing compared these technologies based on removal efficiency, backwash performance, and the ability to handle operational upsets. The results were clear: two technologies outperformed the aging system, producing effluent turbidity that was half that of the existing filters.
Pilot Testing Success
Following site visits and collaboration with EP Water operations, the best-suited technology was chosen. Parkhill then designed a retrofit to incorporate the new cloth media filters into the plant’s existing filtration basins, enabling the facility to treat at full capacity while retaining one sand filter for emergency use.
Future-Ready Design
Additionally, the design included launder covers for the secondary clarifiers, preventing algae growth and ensuring smooth filtration processes. The result is a modernized, reliable filtration system that enhances water quality and operational efficiency at Hickerson WRP.
