Operation of Groundwater Desalination Pilot Plant in South Texas: Challenges and Lessons Learned

The San Antonio Water System (SAWS) is investigating the treatment of brackish water desalination to augment its water portfolio. Because off the stringent pilot testing requirements required in Texas a thorough pilot test must be conducted with no shutdowns for more than 24 hours. Because issues are bound to come up in pilot testing a list of lessons learned was developed. 1. have enough replacement equipment that will not be available readily in local stores. 2.Design the system to be easily fixed. 3. make sure engineers and operators are trained to operate and repair the equipment on site.