State College Drinking Water Plant

Nixon-Kocher Drinking Water Treatment Plant

The State College Borough Water Authority (SCBWA) constructed a new 3,300,000 million gallon/ day drinking water membrane filtration facility that features the latest filtration and disinfection technologies for a complete multiple barrier treatment process.  The new drinking water facility includes provisions for future raw water chemical injection and in-line static mixers, membrane and GAC filtration units, ultraviolet disinfection, chlorine disinfection and chemical feed systems; all with complete redundancy.  Grant monies were committed to assist SCBWA purchase thirteen variable frequency drives (VFDs) which allow the pump outputs to be reduced based on system demand, enabling energy savings. Usage of the VFD’s is estimated to save approximately 3,900,000 kWh per year (average of 40% less power usage) compared to identical pumps using constant speed motors. In addition, monies were provided to help SCBWA purchase a 60 kW roof-mounted solar PV array.  The 192 modules installed on the roof are expected to produce approximately 88,975 kWh each year.

Impact

Variable speed pump drives save 3.9M kWh/ year

Solar PV 60 kW projected production is 88,975 kWh/ year

Produces 3,300,000 gallons of clean drinking water/ day

Grant monies assisted in the installation of the VFD and solar PV systems