Big Data: Fully Realizing the Benefits of Pilot Testing in Design Development for the SAWS Brackish Groundwater Desalination Project

San Antonio Water System (SAWS) currently receives the majority of their drinking water from the Edwards Aquifer, but water levels are decreasing, resulting in limitations on water withdrawals imposed by regulatory agencies. To meet their water supply needs, SAWS is developing a proposed Brackish Groundwater Desalination (BGD) Program consisting of a reverse osmosis (RO) treatment facility that is scheduled to be in service by October 2016. This paper provides insight into the project including facility planning and programming considerations, as well as a review of the proposed treatment process design. It includes information on the source water quality and proposed pretreatment and the unique approach that is proposed for the 3-stage RO treatment process.