Changes in Pumping-Induced Groundwater Quality Used to Supply a Large-Capacity Brackish-Water Desalination Facility, Collier County, Florida: A New Aquifer Conceptual Model

Brackish-water reverse osmosis (BWRO) desalination facilities are designed to treat feedwater within a fixed range in salinity. If the salinity and ion concentrations of rises above maximum design concentrations, then plant may ultimately fail. BWRO plants typically use groundwater as source. Prior process design, detailed assessment is made characterize source aquifer system develop solute-transport model that used project changes water quality over expected useful life facility. Solute transport-modeling performed for Collier County (Florida) South facility, which was produce 30,303 m3/d with an expansion 75,758 m3/d, conceptual assumed upwards migration time brackish waters higher salinities into production zones. This typical how most systems developed United States operate. The original solute transport predicted increases dissolved chloride 20-year period from low 5 mg/L/yr, mid-range 35 high 85 mg/L/yr. Actual data collected 11- 13.5-year showed concentration average feed decreased by 16 found be inaccurate it suggested recharging system, whereas downward leakage (or perhaps lateral migration) fresher appears occurring system. example long-term audit, rarely performed, new applicable