WETS
Contaminants
WETS has extensive experience in treating groundwaters and surface waters. The particular characteristics of individual ground and surface water supplies often pose unique contaminant challenges. In our 45 years of experience, working in a range of geographic locations, we have encountered a broad range of primary and secondary water contaminants. We can offer a customized solution to each client’s individual problem. We offer a full spectrum of water treatment needs and our process solutions are backed by the demonstrated success of hundreds of installations throughout Texas and neighboring states. WETS can offer a pilot study program to optimize an existing plant or to assist in the design of a new plant.
Our Applications
Arsenic is found widely in the earth’s crust, and therefore in groundwater, in many parts of the world. For effective arsenic removal from drinking water, there are a number of factors related to the properties of the treated water, so pilot testing for the particular application is typically required for the design of an arsenic water treatment system.
Benzene is the base product among the family of BTEX chemicals (benzene, toluene. ethylbenzene, and xylenes). These hydrocarbons have been industrially produced in high volumes for many years and for many assorted uses, and are or have been constituents of motor fuels. There is a risk of groundwater contamination from leaking underground storage tanks and other industrial sources. WETS has employed different treatment processes for benzene removal, including aeration and activated carbon. Benzene contamination is usually found in conjunction with other contaminants, and it is usually recommended to perform a pilot study to identify the optimal treatment process for a particular situation.
Color is related to colloidal suspensions in the water, primarily related to contaminants of vegetable origin. As such, color is typically more of an issue with surface water rather than groundwater (though shallow wells can have coloring issues). For color removal from drinking water, WETS has typically employed coagulation, settling and filtration techniques.
Hydrogen sulfide is a highly toxic and flammable gas, but its presence in drinking water is not at a concentration to pose a health threat, and its presence is easily detectable by odor by most people. Because of its rotten egg odor, H2S removal from water is accomplished for aesthetic reasons. As a dissolved gas, hydrogen sulfide water treatment can be successful using aeration, but this processing is very pH sensitive, and other additional treating may be required.
Since well water is typically not exposed to air, dissolved iron and manganese compounds, on exposure to air, readily oxidize to form insoluble reddish-brown particles. These particles discolor the water and cause problems with laundry and plumbing fixtures. WETS has extensive experience in water treatment for iron removal; we have provided treatment equipment, or entire treatment systems, for dozens of projects through our years of operation.
PFAS is a reference to a class of poly and perfluoroalkyl substances. The most commonly found and the most studied are perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS). Starting in the 1940s PFAS have been manufactured and used by a variety of industries. The EPA has recently made a final classification of PFOA and PFOS as primary drinking water contaminants, and is in the process of drawing up a set of regulations. Effective technologies for PFAS removal from drinking water include activated carbon treatment, ion exchange resins, and high-pressure membranes such as nanofiltration or reverse osmosis.
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas formed from the breakdown of uranium in soil/rock. High levels of radon can enter groundwater flowing through granite or granitic sand and gravel formations. Radon is considered the second leading cause of lung cancer in the US. As a gas, radon water treatment can involve aeration/stripping or the use of a radon water filtration system.
Radium is a naturally occurring radioactive element (radionuclide) that is present in varying amounts in rocks and soils in the earth’s crust. It can be an issue for deep bedrock aquifers. The optimum treatment technology for radium removal from drinking water depends on the water properties, and it is typically recommended to perform a pilot study to identify the optimum treatment process.
The trihalomethanes (THM) are by-products of the chlorine disinfection of water, where the chlorine reacts with organic and inorganic matter in the water. As such, effective THMS water treatment requires a proper review of the processing system to determine the most effective means of reducing formation and/or removal of THM’s.
Uranium is another naturally occurring radionuclide that is present in varying amounts in rocks and soils in the earth’s crust, but can also contaminate water as a result of industrial activities. As with radium, it is typically best to perform a pilot study to identify the optimum method for uranium removal from drinking water.
Hardness refers to the metal ions, typically calcium and magnesium, that are dissolved in the water. Other ions that contribute to hardness include aluminum, barium, iron, manganese, and zinc. Hardness is typically described as milligrams of calcium carbonate equivalent per liter.
WETS
Solutions to Your Water Treatment Needs
Whether you want a new water treatment system installed, need your current one inspected and repaired, or just want a free quote, contact the WETS LLC. With years of experience in the industry, our skilled team members are trained and knowledgeable with a variety of leading water equipment and products. Our certified water purification experts are here to help.