USFilter supplying equipment for North Carolina's first large-scale microfiltration plant

Carthage, N.C., July 10, 2001-USFilter is supplying membrane filtration technology for the first large-scale microfiltration plant to be built in N.C. The $900,000 Memcor® Continuous Microfiltration (CMF) technology by USFilter's Memcor Products will treat nearly one million gallons per day for the town of Carthage.

Carthage is located in a growth corridor, close to Pinehurst, the renowned golf community. Over the past ten years, the population in Carthage has more than doubled, forcing the local water utility to search for a new filtration technology to provide high-quality drinking water to all its residents. USFilter worked with the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR) to demonstrate the applicability of the innovative CMF technology. Since the water source for Carthage is a spring-fed pond, augmented with water from Nick's Creek, USFilter performed an on-site pilot trial program.

"USFilter exhibited leadership throughout the development of the project. Their skilled process engineers were well-equipped with the essential technical expertise and data to substantiate their performance statements," indicated Carol Sparks Cleetwood, manager of the Town of Carthage.

The Memcor(r) CMF technology is used in more municipal installations worldwide than any other microfiltration technology. It uses hollow membrane fibers to filter suspended solids, contaminants, and harmful pathogens from the water supply. The CMF system features a patented gas backwash to accomplish efficient, cost effective cleaning. The system's unique in-situ integrity testing offers unmatched process control. Other key advantages of microfiltration include minimal operator intervention and reduced plant footprint.

The plant is expected to begin operation in March 2002.

USFilter is a Vivendi Water company, the global provider of commercial, industrial, municipal and residential water and wastewater treatment systems, products and services, with operations in more than 100 countries. Together, Vivendi Water, Onyx (solid waste and industrial services), Dalkia (energy management), and Connex (transportation and logistics) comprise Vivendi Environnement, the largest environmental services company in the world with annual revenues of more than $23 billion. USFilter invites you to visit its web site at http://www.usfilter.com.