In the mid-2000s, the Fort Pierce Utilities Authority (FPUA) identified the need to expand the treatment capacity of its reverse osmosis (RO) water treatment plant in order to meet a projected increase in demand. Under a design-build continuing services contract with FPUA, Globaltech permitted, designed, built, and commissioned the RO plant expansion. We also assisted the Authority in obtaining a grant from the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) for the project.
The existing plant consisted of two 2.0 mgd RO trains. These two trains were expanded by the addition of new membrane vessels and elements, boosting the capacity of each train to 2.25 MGD. A third larger 3.25 MGD RO train was added within the existing footprint of the membrane building.
The project also included installation of a fourth cartridge filter, third membrane feed pump, second degasifier and blower, and a third transfer pump. With blending of the raw water, the total capacity of the RO facility was increased to 10.27 MGD.
Project Achievements / Benefits
- The project nearly doubled the treatment capacity of the RO water treatment plant, from 5.33 MGD to 10.27 MGD.
- By agreeing to an 11-month completion schedule, Globaltech helped FPUA obtain a $500,000 SFWMD alternative water supply grant. The project was fast- tracked, and Globaltech succeeded in meeting the deadline requirements of the grant program. The design began in September 2005 and construction was completed in September 2006.
