Published: Jun 28, 2013 | 21:09 PM

IRWD Provides Recycled Water to Concrete Batch Plant

IRWD has successfully converted the Robertson’s Ready Mix Concrete batch plant to recycled water use, the first such use for recycled water in Orange County.

“From the first phone call Robertson’s was enthusiastic and collaboration on the project was outstanding,” said project coordinator, Greg Herr. 

Added Mark Tettemer, IRWD’s recycled water development manager, “This project should set a trend for future industrial uses of recycled water. This is an important project to IRWD as we work to expand the industrial uses of recycled water.”

The project went live on July 8. Industrial use of drought-resistant recycled water costs 40 percent less than domestic water, significantly reducing operational costs for customers. The plant uses approximately 20,000 gallons per day to process concrete.

Construction on the 738-foot pipeline that would connect Robertson’s to IRWD’s recycled system began last October. The connection was made to the recycled water distribution mainline located in Warner Avenue and the new pipeline was constructed in Construction Circle. A recycled water meter was provided near the entrance to the plant. Robertson’s approved an IRWD design concept for the on-site pipeline and decided to construct it along an existing aerial catwalk serving the recycled water into two 500-gallon tanks. Because the pipeline was open to visual inspection, additional costs to trench and bury it were avoided, and cross-connection control was assured.

“Anytime we can take advantage of using recycled water, we take every opportunity to do so,” said Christine Geoyvaerts, property manager for the Corona-based company. “We save money over the long-term and it’s especially important during times of drought to save water.”

IRWD has been a leader in promoting recycled water use for landscaping and agricultural needs for about 40 years. Wastewater is collected and treated using tertiary treatment, producing high quality water that earned the District the first unrestricted use permit in the state in 1991. Recycled water is delivered through a completely separate pipeline system throughout the community.