Water & Wastewater Treatment

Water Treatment System Design Considerations

When designing a water production system, it’s essential to ensure that the raw water source can meet year-round demand. If the source fluctuates seasonally or lacks stability, a properly sized storage tank or reservoir should be included to maintain continuous operation. The production capacity should also allow for future expansion, supporting potential increases in water demand. The system should be designed with adjustable load operation, enabling energy savings and reduced chemical consumption during low-demand periods. In addition, energy and chemical costs — which are directly related to production capacity — should be carefully considered to achieve efficient and cost-effective system performance.
3D rendering of a modular water treatment system with tanks and walkways

Effective wastewater treatment design begins with assessing the actual daily wastewater volume and its variations throughout the day. This helps determine the right treatment capacity and system size. Next, analyzing the influent quality — including parameters such as BOD, COD, SS, TDS, pH, oil and grease, heavy metals, and toxins — allows the selection of treatment processes that can efficiently remove pollutants. The treated water quality must comply with legal standards or discharge regulations for the target area. Site-specific conditions, such as available space, depth, maintenance accessibility, and environmental impact, should also be taken into account, along with future expansion potential. Finally, both investment and operating costs — including electricity, chemicals, sludge management, and labor — should be evaluated to ensure the system operates efficiently and sustainably over the long term.

Source Water Analysis

Before choosing technologies, test and understand the nature of the raw water. Key parameters include:

  • Turbidity: The amount of suspended particles (e.g., clay, silt) affecting clarity.
  • pH: Affects chemical reactions and equipment corrosion.
  • Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): Represents minerals and salts; high TDS impacts taste and scaling.
  • Hardness: Caused by calcium and magnesium; leads to scaling.
  • Heavy Metals: Toxic elements like lead, arsenic, and mercury must be removed.
  • Microorganisms: Including bacteria, viruses, and protozoa that pose health risks.