FPUD awards contract for solar mixing system at water reclamation plant

The recycled water storage pond at the Fallbrook Public Utility District's water reclamation plant will soon have a solar mixing system.

FPUD's board voted 5-0 July 25 to approve a $39,978 contract with Medora Corporation of Dickinson, N.D., to provide a solar mixing system.

"The staff was experiencing increased algae growth in the equalization pond and after analyzing the problem recommended the purchase of submersible mixers," said FPUD general manager Brian Brady.

FPUD staff evaluated submersible mixers and solar-powered mixers and determined that the solar-powered floating pond mixing system would be the most cost-effective option. "The savings in power costs would give them a payback of one year," Brady said.

Last year, FPUD completed an upgrade of the district's wastewater treatment plant. A recycled water pond to allow for the storage of recycled water was added. The pond was designed so that water flowed through the pond, which was intended to reduce algae growth, but the quantity of algae was higher than expected. The recycled water service line was also used for facilities to mix the pond, and the demand for mixing the pond was more frequent than anticipated.

The pond mixing process is energy-intensive, and FPUD expenses for the mixing have averaged approximately $100 per day, so the solar option was the preferred system. FPUD issued a request for proposals for a floating solar power mixer. Medora Corporation was the only bidder, although FPUD staff reviewed the proposal and found that it met district requirements. Medora will provide a Solar Bee system, and the delivery is expected later this summer.