HAYWARD, CA -- A Microvi MNE nitrate treatment system will be installed for the City of San Juan Bautista, Calif. This system will allow the city to ensure a supply of clean drinking water in a region that has seen consistently high levels of nitrate in their water sources.
Nitrate is one of the most widespread contaminants in drinking water globally, and its human health impacts are disproportionately felt in rural communities where groundwater contamination with agricultural runoff is pervasive.
"In the past four years the City has shut-down two wells, and last March it had to shut down its newest well. After spending $750,000 on this new well, we are looking for a miracle," said Don Reynolds, City Manager of San Juan Bautista.
The City of San Juan Bautista relies on three wells to provide drinking water to a population of just over 2,000 residents. To better secure its source of drinking water, the City and the San Benito County Water District have partnered to import surface water six miles to the City's system to blend with the ground water. While importing water from nearby treatment plants is an option, treating water locally is significantly more cost-effective.
"As a mayor, and as a water quality specialist, I am beyond excited about implementing Microvi's nitrate treatment system for the City of San Juan Bautista," said San Juan Bautista's Mayor Leslie Jordan.
"We are pleased to offer the City of San Juan Bautista an effective and economical solution to treat the pervasive challenge of nitrate contamination," said Dr. Fatemeh Shirazi, CEO of Microvi. "This installation exemplifies Microvi's commitment to bring sustainable solutions to communities that need it most."
Unlike most nitrogen treatment solutions that come at a substantial cost, Microvi's MicroNiche Engineering (MNE) technology provides a cost-effective, scalable method that allows the utility to use existing infrastructure and staff to implement and maintain the system.
The project is funded in part through Microvi's partnership with climate-tech nonprofit Elemental Excelerator.
"This initiative reflects just one example of the acute need to scale innovations that provide equitable access to clean, drinking water in communities across Central California," said Kim Baker, Director of Water Innovation at Elemental Excelerator. "We are honored to continue supporting the critical work that innovative companies such as Microvi are pioneering to address water contamination efficiently, locally and sustainably."
This project comes at the heels of commercial projects with Sunny Slope Water Company and Cucamonga Valley Water District, as well as the recent commissioning of the first of its kind wastewater sidestream treatment project at Oro Loma Sanitary District's 12 MGD plant.
