High Recovery RO – Challenges to Meet Stringent Nitrogen Limits in Reservoir Augmentation Indirect Potable Reuse Projects

Reducing RO concentrate flows generated from RO based advanced treatment facilities has become a major interest of agencies located in inland areas where surface discharges may not be possible. To meet this objective, many agencies are considering incorporating a high recovery RO concept into the AWTF design. However, depending upon nature of secondary treatment provided at the wastewater treatment plants, high recovery RO may pose challenges to satisfy nitrogen and perhaps TOC discharge limits in IPR projects The findings of this paper are highly valuable for agencies, who are considering a high recovery RO concept while meeting very stringent nitrogen limits in IPR projects.