Dysart WTP Upgrade

Dysart WTP Upgrade

Overview

Working with Council, CWT provided engineering services for the upgrade of Dysart WTP to resolve systemic manganese, algae and taste and odour issues.  The upgrades were undertaken in two phases to address critical works to restore water supply in partnership with BMA, and further upgrades to improve organics removal and water security made possible through funding from the Queensland Government.

Services Offered

Phase 1

  • Options development for proposed works including filter and filter media upgrade, chemical dosing systems, and control and automation systems
  • Assessment of preferred options and subsequent technical specification
  • Operator process training and development of a treatment process manual to complement the updated O&M documentation
  • Treatment process optimisation

Phase 2

  • Options assessment and preliminary concept design, cost estimates and drawings for upgrades to improve organics removal, including a DAF facility, GAC filters and raw water storage
  • Facilitation of design review and stakeholder workshops to ensure project outcomes
  • Technical specifications for preferred options
  • Assistance with preparation of tender documents and provision of advice regarding Contractor selection
  • Preparation of State Government funding applications and development applications for the upgrades
  • Owner’s engineer for the Design and Construction Phase including input into design review, HAZOPs, and contract negotiations and contractor management

Need

Dysart WTP has a history of manganese and organics in its raw water supply that was not adequately addressed by the treatment processes at the WTP. This led to an ongoing stream of customer complaints regarding the quality of the treated water and as a result few residents would drink the water. In November 2013, drinking water supply to the township was lost for several days when the filters became blocked and unable to produce water. Following restoration of the drinking water supply, a major project was commenced with CWT acting as Council’s advisers to fast-track critical infrastructure upgrades to address treatment issues and ensure drinking water could reliably meet quality and quantity requirements.

Solution

CWT identified that immediate filter refurbishment works would be required to reliably produce safe drinking water. Additional chemical systems (potassium permanganate coupled with an oxidation contact tank and polymer as a settling aid) were also installed as well as replacement of existing chemical systems to improve plant performance and reliability. Online instrumentation and SCADA were also installed for greater control and process monitoring.

Following the successful completion of Phase 1, CWT were again engaged to look at Phase 2 upgrades to address organics and algae contamination. After extensive consultation and options assessment, the agreed option included an onsite raw water storage to buffer against poor raw water quality and configuration of additional pre-DAF and post-GAC filters for algae removal. CWT continued to provide technical assistance as owner’s engineers from specification through to commissioning and finalisation of the Phase 2 Upgrades.

The new process has provision for UV disinfection and ozone to be implemented in future in response to tightening microbial water quality targets.

Benefit

CWT’s optimisation and WTP upgrade solutions provided the client with improved water quality outcomes, increased customer satisfaction and a robust treatment process to secure delivery of safe drinking water for generations to come.