Dow [NYSE: DWDP]

Due to the stringent regulations over the quality of reclaimed water, Orange County’s state-of-the-art treatment plant uses a multiple barrier water processing unit. As a part of the process, the facility initially implements a microfiltration pretreatment that helps in eliminating microorganisms and large, suspended particulates. The water is then pushed through an advanced RO treatment system, which removes viruses and dissolved chemicals in the water. As the last step of the process, advanced oxidation (UV and Hydrogen peroxide) disinfects the water and destroys remaining low molecular weight compounds including those that must be removed to parts per trillion levels. Most of the purified water is then disseminated to replenish groundwater aquifers or injected underground near the coast to protect the aquifer from seawater intrusion, thereby providing Orange County with an uninterrupted supply of purified drinking water meeting or exceeding all state and federal standards.

"Dow FILMTEC™ reverse osmosis, nanofiltration membranes, and Dow ion exchange products provide complete and tailored removal of ionic contaminants from source waters for injection, or produced waters for discharge"

The Orange County endeavored a long-term strategy to further improve efficiency and productivity in wastewater treatment for reuse with the new RO membrane. Dow has provided the OCWD with a series of prototype membranes—targeting higher permeability and fouling resistance without compromising rejection. As a result, five prototype membranes have been developed and evaluated to date, and its performance data indicates progress in reducing the energy requirements, which contributes significantly to the cost-effectiveness of a large-scale water reuse project.

OCWD and Dow are currently experimenting with multiple membrane technologies to identify the best option for drought-proof water and create a long-term partnership. With the aid of the trial tests, OCWD and Dow have installed RO membranes enabled with higher sustained permeability without compromising on the permeate water quality, consequently offering high quality, drinkable water at lower energy costs.

At full operation, the current OCWD facility purifies more than 100 million gallons of treated wastewater per day to provide clean, high-quality drinking water to homes and businesses in north and central Orange County. Collaboratively, Dow and OCWD research and development teams aim to create technologies with the capabilities of being implemented across countries, paving the way for wastewater reuse to emerge as an attainable reality for water-stressed communities.

Building Resilience to Limited Resources

Water scarcity motivates Dow to develop advanced technologies and strengthen industry and business partnerships to help provide the world’s population with access to the most essential commodity such as water. Dow uniquely combines the power of science and technology to help address many of the world’s most challenging problems, such as the need for fresh food, safer and sustainable energy efficiency, transportation, and clean water. The company has set the cornerstone in being an inspiration to numerous business verticals for effective water management. Working toward the goal of a sustainable future, Dow has launched Water Blueprint—a part of Dow’s 2025 “Leading the Blueprint” Sustainability Goal—committed to building collaborative models for better stewardship of water and watersheds.