Upon construction, VenturaWaterPure will use a proven Five-Stage Disinfection Process that includes: (1) Ozone, (2) Biofiltration, (3) Ultrafiltration (UF), (4) Reverse Osmosis (RO), and (5) Ultraviolet Light / Advanced Oxidation (UV/AO) Process. The result is purified water that exceeds drinking water quality standards.
The treatment process, described below, was piloted and refined at the VenturaWaterPure demonstration facility. This proven approach is used throughout California, the U.S., and internationally.
This first demonstration facility opened to the public in 2016 and was supported by the Water Research Foundation. The facility was recognized for its comprehensive testing measures. Results from the facility advanced research indirect potable reuse for communities statewide.
Here’s how the VenturaWaterPure treatment process works:
1. OZONE
During the ozone treatment process, ozone gas is injected into water. The ozone gas breaks down organic carbon in the water to make them biodegradable, which in turn improves the efficiency of the next treatment step—biofiltration.
2. BIOFILTRATION
During the biofiltration process, naturally occurring microbes attach to a filter and remove organic compounds.
3. ULTRAFILTRATION (UF)
Ultrafiltration forces water through filters with pore sizes that are 1/300th the diameter of a hair. This blocks many particles and bacteria from passing through.
4. REVERSE OSMOSIS (RO)
Reverse osmosis pushes pressurized water through a barrier that blocks salts, chemicals, and viruses from passing through. This treatment step is used by premium water bottling companies.
5. ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT AND ADVANCED OXIDATION (UV AOP)
During this step, ultraviolet light breaks down contaminants and trace pollutants, destroying cell walls and DNA and other human-generated contaminates such as pharmaceuticals.