Client: State College Borough Water Authority, Centre County, PA
Year Completed: 2017
Project Cost: $25,000,000
The State College Borough Water Authority operates a water supply system serving the
greater University Park area, home to Penn State University. To provide additional filtered
water capacity, the Authority initiated planning of a new 5.0 MGD water treatment plant
at the Nixon-Kocher well field. Long time consultant, Gwin, Dobson & Foreman, was
tasked with designing a treatment facility for enhanced particle removal and to address
emerging contaminants from a karst aquifer in an agricultural setting.
GD&F successfully pilot tested an advanced treatment process using micro/ultrafiltration,
granulated activated carbon and ultraviolet disinfection. GD&F was responsible for
preparation of pilot testing protocol, coordination with equipment suppliers, erection
and connection of test equipment and instrumentation, ongoing system monitoring and
sampling, data compilation and analysis and final report. Pilot test results and reports
were approved by the DEP Northcentral Region – Safe Drinking Water Program.
Final design resulting from pilot testing work included new submersible well pumps,
chemical feed and storage facilities, membrane filtration system, GAC facilities and
ultraviolet disinfection (compatible with a future advanced oxidation [AO] process).
Facility improvements are scheduled for completion in 2021 at a total project cost
of $25 million.