Clear Creek: A crucial resource for Denver's water supply
Clear Creek plays a vital role as a significant water supply source for several municipalities in the Denver area, making water quality a top priority for the region. By the time Dewberry Engineers began their work at the Clear Creek water treatment plant, the facility had been in operation for approximately 35 years. The ageing infrastructure required significant upgrades to meet modern efficiency and water quality standards. Initially, Dewberry considered upgrading the facility with a biological nutrient removal (BNR) system, which had been a widely accepted choice for wastewater treatment.
DATE 2025-01-22
However, during the planning phase, the cost of the membrane bioreactor (MBR) technology dropped significantly, making it nearly comparable to the BNR system. After re-evaluating the project, Dewberry shifted its recommendation to the MBR technology. This decision was driven by cost efficiency and the advantages MBR offered in terms of ease of operation and long-term reliability. The MBR system’s potential to consistently deliver high-quality effluent, regardless of varying influent conditions, made it the superior choice for Clear Creek.
MBR's Impact on Clear Creek Operations
As Mike Lutz, a representative from Dewberry Engineers, explains, "The main benefits of the membrane bioreactor boils down to two major factors. First, it consistently produces high-quality effluent. No matter what happens with the influent, we’re confident in the quality of the output. The second major factor is reliability – we know we’ll achieve the same results, day in and day out, regardless of what’s happening upstream"
The benefits of the MBR system were evident from day one. Mike Lutz continues highlighting how quickly the improvements became noticeable. ”From the first day, the effluent quality was noticeably better,” Mike remarked. “We’re seeing biological oxygen demand (BOD) and total suspended solids levels below detection limits. That’s an impressive result – especially considering that, under normal conditions, we’d expect those levels to be in the mid-twenties to low-thirties milligrams per liter.
For Clear Creek, transitioning to an MBR system meant improved water quality and a more straightforward, reliable process. Mike emphasized that, compared to other treatment systems, the MBR technology offers easier maintenance and greater flexibility in handling a wide range of suspended solids content. “One of the key advantages is that the system has fewer mechanical parts, which means lower maintenance requirements over time. That directly translates to cost savings," Mike explained.
A Product That Excels in the Field
Both Dewberry Engineers and the Clear Creek operations team have been impressed by the performance of Alfa Laval’s MBR system. According to Bob, the innovative design and gravity flow aspects of the system have been well-received by operators, making the technology not only practical but also user-friendly. “I’m very pleased with Alfa Laval’s MBR product,” Bob shared. “Its innovative design, particularly the gravity flow feature, has stood out. Our operators have embraced the ease of use, and it’s been well-received in the marketplace.”
In conclusion, implementing the MBR technology at the Clear Creek facility has proved to be a significant step forward in terms of operational efficiency and water quality. By embracing a modern, reliable system, the Clear Creek plant is now better equipped to meet the growing water demands of the Denver area while ensuring that the effluent it produces remains of the highest quality, thereby contributing to a healthier environment.
