AI + Water Treatment

AI + Water Treatment

WCP Online released an article last week exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) is changing things up in water treatment. AI, known for doing its best to mimic human intelligence, is now a big player in water management, helping with everything from predicting when pipes might leak to optimizing water usage across cities. For example, AI tools like Google Research’s FloodHub can predict floods, while other platforms can adjust water allocations in real time, making irrigation systems more efficient and helping prevent water scarcity. Water treatment facilities are also using AI to simulate potential scenarios using digital twins, which help them test responses to emergencies without real-world risks. While this new tech can be intimidating, WCP says not to be too worried about job security because the unique insights and experience provided by water treatment professionals cannot be replicated by AI alone.

Plant-Based Adsorbent for PFAS

Cyclopure, a company based in Chicago, introduced a groundbreaking filtration technology called DEXSORB® designed to tackle PFAS. The EPA's stringent new rules mean no PFAS in drinking water is considered safe, pushing the demand for effective filtration solutions. DEXSORB, crafted from plant-based cyclodextrins (aka sugar donuts that trap chemicals), specifically targets PFAS through a selective adsorption process, allowing for their complete removal from water supplies. They say that this innovation is a boon for water treatment dealers, offering a high-capacity, efficient alternative to traditional methods that might require more media and deal with disposal issues. Plus, DEXSORB has been green-lit for drinking water use in Massachusetts, highlighting its efficacy and safety for public and residential applications.

History of Water Purification

Ultra Pure Water Technologies out of Ohio wrote a post all about the history of water purification. While it’s a good read, it’s a bit long. Here’s the abbreviated version:

• Early Methods: Ancient people boiled water and used sand and charcoal to clean it.

• Middle Ages and Renaissance: People started using distillation to purify water, which helped improve its quality.

• Industrial Revolution: New methods like rapid sand filtration and adding chlorine to water were developed to meet the demands of growing cities.

• Modern Innovations: Advances like UV disinfection and nanotechnology have greatly improved how water is purified today.

Court Approves 3M Settlement

In a recent update, major chemical manufacturer 3M has confirmed that they will start making payments to U.S. public drinking water systems this year as part of a huge settlement. The company is compensating for pollution caused by PFAS chemicals, which are found in products like firefighting foam and some consumer goods. The settlement, approved by a U.S. District Court, means that 3M will pay between $10.5 to $12.5 billion through 2036, depending on future contamination findings. This money will help water systems filter out PFAS and also support additional testing for these harmful substances.

What else is happening:

• Copper Development Association supports new EPA rules that push for replacing harmful lead and galvanized water lines with copper (go figure!)

• Ultra Pure Water Technologies also released an article all about how charcoal purifies water and overviews modern applications of it

• ResinTech (resintech.com) debuts new resin cleaner to “maximize the life and efficiency of water softening units”

• WaterFilterGuru gives detailed review of what a Brita filter does and does not filter out, saying it doesn’t do anything for arsenic, fluoride, microorganisms (viruses, bacteria), and more

• Family-owned and operated Peacock Water says that hard water can reduce the lifespans of appliances