Overview
Timmons Group performed a twelve-month water quality monitoring program and treatability study of the Sandy River Reservoir to characterize the source water and inform the design of a 2 million gallons per day (MGD) water treatment plant (expandable to 8 MGD). Located in Prince Edward County, Sandy River Reservoir is a 740-acre facility with 3.2 billion gallons of storage. The reservoir was conceived in 1967 and ultimately constructed and permitted to be filled in 1994 with the intention of providing a reliable raw water source for the County.
In 2022-2023, sampling occurred weekly or bi-weekly at the proposed intake location on the Reservoir. Real-time reservoir conditions were monitored using a multiparameter sonde. Grab samples were collected at multiple depth intervals, corresponding to proposed intake screen elevations. A total of four distinct treatability study events, one for each season, were performed. The primary goal of the treatability study was to optimize pre-oxidation and coagulation strategies. Additionally, the study team performed rapid small scale column testing (RSSCT) to evaluate the use of Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) adsorption as an advanced treatment process to reduce disinfection by-products (DBPs) in the finished water. Membrane filtration testing was also completed to evaluate membrane performance. A comprehensive report was prepared to determine the ability to meet the Virginia Waterworks Regulations under conditions encountered in the study.
