Goleta Water District Evaluates JC 9465 for THM Reduction

The Goleta Water District (GWD) is evaluating JC9465, a water treatment chemical manufactured by Jenfitch, LLC, as a means of reducing trihalomethane (THM) formation while maintaining compliance with drinking water standards.

Background

Water quality in Lake Cachuma, GWD's surface water source, has degraded as a result of drought and the watershed impacts of wildfire. These conditions have increased the level of organic matter entering the treatment process, creating the need for enhanced organic matter removal to control disinfection byproduct formation.

JC9465 is NSF 61-approved for use in drinking water, making it suitable for full-scale application at a public water treatment facility.

Jar testing results

Bench-scale jar testing demonstrated the chemical's potential to significantly reduce trihalomethane formation while keeping the district in compliance with the 80 μg/L total trihalomethane (TTHM) standard.

Jar testing showed a 95% reduction of TTHM and a 21% reduction in the seven-day TTHM formation level.

These results indicate that JC9465 can reduce both immediate TTHM concentrations and the continued formation of TTHM over the seven-day period that reflects distribution-system residence time.

Full-scale testing plan

Based on the jar testing outcomes, GWD planned full-scale plant testing at the Corona Del Mar Water Treatment Plant (CDMWTP):

• An initial two-week pilot scheduled for January 2018.
• A proposed throughput of approximately three million gallons per day.
• Potential follow-up testing extending up to three months in duration.

Previous implementation

JC9465 has been successfully deployed at the Stenner Surface Water Treatment Plant in San Luis Obispo and at the Martinez Water Treatment Plant. One documented issue, filter turbidity, was resolved through standard maintenance procedures, providing operational confidence for the Goleta Water District trial.