The Debate Is Over: Physical Water Treatment Meets the Demands of Modern Water Treatment Deliverables (OR-16-C020)

Awareness of non-chemical processes and the successes of various technological solutions to common water treatment problems are now well established. Despite detractors, non-chemical and physical water treatment products continue to make their mark by providing results that meet and exceed water treatment industry standards. Although initially propelled by the greening of the built environment, physical water treatment now stands as a viable alternative to traditional chemical programs. The debate over whether these technologies work is over, with the new discussions centered around when and how to apply them. With technological progress and continued innovation, these once-experimental technologies have given birth to experienced and proven methodologies. This paper covers the history of various technologies and examines the plusses and minuses of each class of non-chemical water treatment. It illustrates how the latest advancement improves on pulsed power and in combination with advanced suspended solids management provides unmatched savings of water and energy, while matching or exceeding the performance metrics of modern water treatment deliverables.