Name of Facility: 4S Ranch Water Reclamation Facility
Population Served: Approximately 87,000 customers in Encinitas, Carlsbad, San Diego, Solana Beach, and neighboring communities.
Established: OMWD was incorporated in 1959. The 4S Ranch Water Reclamation Facility was built in 1990.
Average Daily Capacity: Design capacity is 2 mgd, with a current daily average of approximately 1.2 mgd.
Process Description: Extended Aeration/Tertiary Treatment with Oxidation Ditch/UV Disinfection process.
Permit Violations: Zero permit violations in the past three years.
Innovative practices at the 4S Ranch WRF over the past several years have included the installation of a new, more efficient ultraviolet (UV) system, the addition of Hach Real-Time Control equipment, equipment demonstrations, and operator training. These initiatives have led to ongoing improvements in operations and provided operators at all levels within the plant with opportunities to enhance their working knowledge of various aspects of the wastewater treatment process.
The new equipment is designed to improve the monitoring of the biological process, enhance water quality, and achieve energy savings. Both the UV and Hach systems were installed following extensive examinations of alternatives and analyses of the specific needs of the 4S Ranch WRF.
Innovation, as demonstrated through equipment, is also linked to the solids processing portion of treatment. This demonstration uses a mechanical mixing chamber setup that reduces chemical usage compared to the existing polymer mixing chamber. Additionally, the 4S WRF upgraded one of its aeration blowers to a newer, more efficient model, with the second blower scheduled for replacement.
“The Wastewater Department developed and completed a comprehensive Operations and Condition Assessment and Capital Improvement Plan in 2024. This broad and vital study is now guiding all the 4S Ranch WRF capital projects and is a tremendous blueprint for the budget planning and forecasting.”
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