USEFULNESS OF NETWORKING IN MEMBRANE PLANT-DESIGN AND OPERATION

The 10.0 mgd reverse osmosis nitrate removal plant in Brighten, Colora do, was successfully started up in November 1993. As a means of insuri ng that the plant design would not only meet current and future needs but would also avoid practical problems encountered by other plants, t he city utilized a network of existing membrane drinking water plants. These were plants that had experienced similar treatment problems and challenges. This network, due to the openness and willingness of the other utilities to share information, insights, and experiences, provi ded considerable help in the design process. Details of the cost savin g benefits of the networking experiences are presented. The membrane d rinking water plant survey developed for and included in the American Water Works Association Research Foundation's publication Membrane Con centrate Disposal should be helpful in establishing a network for util ities considering membrane treatment.