SPARRC User’s Manual 

March 2007 

Submitted to: 

Rajiv Khera, P.E. 

Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 

Submitted by: 

Science Applications International Corporation 

11251 Roger Bacon Drive 

Reston, VA 20190 

EPA Contract No. 68-C-02-067 

SAIC Project No. 06-6312-08-0506-XXX
SPARRC User’s Manual

Disclaimer 

SPARRC Version 2 has not undergone external peer review and, therefore, is only available as 

an interim release to demonstrate recent improvements such as a new cost estimate feature and 

validation of the mass balance calculations. Following external peer review of the mass balance 

calculations and cost estimation method, EPA will prepare a formal public release version. 

The objective of SPARRC is to simulate disposal quantities and costs for radionuclidecontaminated wastes given user-defined inputs for influent water quality and treatment operation 

parameters. It is not intended to design process equipment. SPARRC does not establish 

regulatory requirements, nor is it a regulation, itself. Neither the U.S. Environmental Protection 

Agency nor its employees make any warranty, express or implied, regarding the residuals and 

cost estimates generated using this tool. Its cost outputs do not represent formal offers to provide 

equipment or services. In addition, mention of specific vendors does not constitute an 

endorsement by either the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or any of its employees. 

Important Installation Information 

If, at any time during the installation process, you see a “Version Conflict” pop-up window 

requesting whether you want the setup program to keep a more current system file (usually one 

with a dll or ocx extension) or replace it with an older version of that file, select the YES option 

to KEEP the existing system file. 
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Table of Contents 

1. Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 1 

2. Background ................................................................................................................................. 1 

3. Installation................................................................................................................................... 2 

3.1 System Requirements ....................................................................................................... 2 

3.2 Installation Steps .............................................................................................................. 2 

4. Using SPARRC ........................................................................................................................... 4 

4.1 Startup .............................................................................................................................. 4 

4.2 SPARRC Inputs ............................................................................................................... 6 

4.3 SPARRC Outputs ............................................................................................................. 7 

5. Printing Output Results ............................................................................................................... 9 

A.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................... A-1 

A.1.1 Inputs and Outputs Common to All Technologies ................................................... A-1 

A.2 Coagulation Filtration ..................................................................................................... A-2 

A.3 Lime Softening................................................................................................................ A-2 

A.4 Ion Exchange .................................................................................................................. A-2 

A.4.1 Ion Exchange Technology Overview ....................................................................... A-2 

A.4.2 Ion Exchange Design Validity Checks and Warning Messages............................... A-4 

A.4.3 Ion Exchange Inputs ................................................................................................. A-5 

A.4.4 Ion Exchange Outputs .............................................................................................. A-9 

A.5 Reverse Osmosis ........................................................................................................... A-19 

A.5.1 Reverse Osmosis Technology Overview ................................................................ A-19 

A.5.2 Reverse Osmosis Inputs.......................................................................................... A-19 

A.5.3 Reverse Osmosis Outputs ....................................................................................... A-20 

A.6 Activated Alumina ........................................................................................................ A-24 

A.6.1 Activated Alumina Technology Overview ............................................................. A-24 

A.6.2 Activated Alumina Inputs ....................................................................................... A-24 

A.6.3 Activated Alumina Output...................................................................................... A-25 

A.7 Green Sand Filtration .................................................................................................... A-27 

A.7.1 Green Sand Filtration Technology Overview ......................................................... A-27 

A.7.2 Green Sand Filtration Inputs................................................................................... A-27 

A.7.3 Green Sand Filtration Outputs ................................................................................ A-29 

A.8 References ..................................................................................................................... A-34 

B.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................... B-1 

B.2 Liquid Waste Disposal Options ...................................................................................... B-1 

B.2.1 Direct discharge ........................................................................................................ B-2 

B.2.2 Discharge to POTW.................................................................................................. B-2 

B.2.3 Underground injection .............................................................................................. B-2 

B.2.4 Septic System Disposal ............................................................................................ B-3 

B.3 Solid Waste Disposal Options ........................................................................................ B-3 

B.3.1 Contracted Uranium Extraction ................................................................................ B-3 

B.3.2 Non-Hazardous Waste Disposal Facilities ............................................................... B-3 
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B.3.3 Hazardous Waste Disposal Facilities ....................................................................... B-4 

B.3.4 LLRW Facilities ....................................................................................................... B-4 

B.4 References ....................................................................................................................... B-5 

C.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................... C-1 

C.2 Anion Exchange .............................................................................................................. C-1 

C.2.1 Arrowbear Lake, California ...................................................................................... C-1 

C.3 Cation Exchange ............................................................................................................. C-3 

C.3.1 New Jersey Utility .................................................................................................... C-3 

C.3.2 Robertson Utilities, North Carolina .......................................................................... C-5 

C.3.3 Baywood Forest, North Carolina .............................................................................. C-6 

C.4 Reverse Osmosis ............................................................................................................. C-8 

C.4.1 Toluca, Illinois .......................................................................................................... C-8 

C.5 References ....................................................................................................................... C-9 
SPARRC User’s Manual

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1. Introduction 

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) developed the Software Program to Ascertain 

Radionuclide Residual Concentrations (SPARRC) to estimate quantities and concentrations of 

radium and uranium in water treatment plant residuals for selected treatment technologies using 

a mass balance approach. In 2006, EPA revised SPARRC to address stakeholder comments 

including those provided by the American Water Works Association’s Technical Advisory 

Workgroup on Radionuclides. EPA converted the Help Menu from an on-line format to a printed 

format (see Appendix A). EPA added a disposal cost estimating tool to some of the technologies 

in SPARRC and included default unit costs based on national average cost information (see 

Appendix B). Finally, EPA used available case study data to validate the revised mass balance 

calculations (see Appendix C for results), and also compared outputs with another radionuclide 

mass balance model. The objective of SPARRC is to simulate disposal quantities and costs for 

radionuclide-contaminated wastes given user-defined inputs for influent water quality and 

treatment operation parameters. It is not intended to design process equipment. Therefore, the 

cost tool does not include intermediate waste handling costs (e.g., for dewatering). 

This User’s Manual provides instructions for installing and using SPARRC, a Help Manual that 

describes the modeling approach, and descriptions for the disposal cost method and default unit 

cost values in Version 2 of SPARRC. 

2. Background 

Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, EPA regulates the amount of radionuclides such as alpha 

particles, beta particles, radium, and uranium allowed in drinking water provided by community 

water systems. When radionuclide concentrations in source water exceed drinking water 

standards, then water systems can use treatment or nontreatment options to reduce the 

concentrations to meet the standards. Systems considering treatment options can use SPARRC to 

evaluate how well different treatment technologies remove radium and uranium from drinking 

water and what residual streams and disposal costs these treatment options generate. Exhibit 1 

provides a list of technologies in SPARRC along with the radionuclide contaminant removed, 

and the Help Manual in Appendix A provides brief descriptions of each technology along with 

the mass balance calculations in SPARRC. 

Exhibit 1. SPARRC Technologies and Radionuclides Removed

Technology Radionuclide

Coagulation Filtration1 Uranium

Lime Softening1 Radium and Uranium

Ion Exchange Radium and Uranium

Reverse Osmosis Radium and Uranium

Activated Alumina Uranium

Green Sand Filtration Radium

1. The mass balance calculations for this technology have not been updated in the second version of SPARRC. 

Consequently, no disposal cost calculations are shown. These updates will appear in a later version of SPARRC. 
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When these treatment technologies remove naturally occurring radionuclide material (NORM) 

(i.e., radium and uranium) from drinking water, they concentrate the contaminants in solid and 

liquid residuals, thereby creating residuals that contain technologically enhanced naturally 

occurring radionuclide material (TENORM). Disposal options for these residuals will depend on 

the quantity and concentration of contaminants as well as federal, State, and local requirements 

that affect disposal practices. EPA prepared a guidance document, A Regulators’ Guide to the 

Management of Radioactive Residuals from Drinking Water Treatment Technologies (U.S. EPA, 

2005), which describes disposal considerations for residuals containing TENORM and provides 

contact information for community water systems seeking assistance with disposal issues. Even 

though the cost outputs show estimates for a full range of disposal options, the actual options 

available to a system will depend on State and local requirements and restrictions. Furthermore, 

the default unit costs are based on sources that conduct national surveys and publish national 

average costs and regional adjustment factors such as Environmental Remediation Cost Data – 

Unit Price 2006 (ECHOS, 2006). Because site-specific costs are likely to differ from these 

national averages, EPA included an option for users to insert site-specific unit costs.

3. Installation 

3.1 System Requirements 

Make sure that you have the following before installing SPARRC on your computer: 

• Operating system: Windows XP 

• Disk space: at least 4 MB 

• Screen resolution: 1024 × 768. 

3.2 Installation Steps 

Step 1. Close all applications running on your computer. Some applications access common 

files that the SPARRC setup program will try to update. Sharing violations will terminate the 

setup program. If you have older versions of SPARRC, uninstall SPARRC using Add/Remove 

Programs. 

Step 2. Locate the setup.exe file. If you have a SPARRC CD, insert it into your disk drive. The 

CD should automatically start; if it does not, then go to My Computer and double click on the 

CD drive. The setup.exe file should be among the files listed for the CD. 

If you downloaded a SPARRC.zip file, go to the directory where you saved the file and open the 

file. Extract all of the files to same directory. One of these files will be the setup.exe file. Double 

click on this file. 

Step 3. Install the SPARRC program files. During the installation process, you will see three 

windows. The first window (see Exhibit 2) contains a reminder to close all other applications 

during SPARRC installation. If other applications are open, click on Exit Setup, close those 

applications, and repeat this step. When you are ready to proceed with installation, click OK. 
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Exhibit 2. SPARRC Setup Window 

The second window identifies where the program files will be installed. Check the default 

directory shown in the Directory section of the window (see Exhibit 3). If this is the location you 

want to use, click on the install button above the directory to begin installation. To change the 

location, click on the Change Directory button on the right. Then, select or enter the correct 

location. If prompted to create a new directory, click OK. When you return to the directory 

window, click on the install button. 

Exhibit 3. SPARRC Installation Directory Selection Window 
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The next window identifies the program group that you will use to open the program (see Exhibit 

4). The default is SPARRC. To accept the default, click Continue to begin installation. You can 

also enter another program group title before clicking Continue. 

Exhibit 4. SPARRC Program Group Selection Window 

After installation is complete, click OK. If you are trying to install SPARRC on a computer that 

has a Windows 2000 operating system and there is an error message regarding missing or out-ofdate DLL files, stop installation. 

Important: If, at any time during the installation process, you see a “Version Conflict” popup window requesting whether you want the setup program to keep a more current system 

file (usually one with a dll or ocx extension) or replace it with an older version of that file, 

select the YES option to KEEP the existing system file. 

4. Using SPARRC 

4.1 Startup 

To begin using SPARRC, click START, go to All Programs, and click on SPARRC. Or go to 

the folder in which the program is saved (Program Files\residuals is the default location) and 

click on residuals.exe. 

The program will open to the main page (Exhibit 5), which displays a top menu bar listing the 

six treatment technologies: coagulation filtration, lime softening, ion exchange, reverse osmosis, 

activated alumina, and green sand filtration. 
SPARRC User’s Manual

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Exhibit 5. SPARRC Main Page 

Click on a treatment technology on the top menu bar to begin. For example, clicking Ion 

Exchange displays the user interface shown in Exhibit 6. The user interface for each treatment 

technology includes: 

• Model input variables displayed on the left hand-side of the screen (light-yellow part of 

the screen) 

• Two output tabs displayed on the right hand-side of the screen – one that reports residuals 

and water quality information (shown in Exhibit 6) and a second that reports annual costs 

(shown in Exhibit 7). 

At the bottom of the interface, there is a button to generate a printable report. Users of the first 

version of SPARRC will notice that the user interface no longer contains information and help 

buttons. All of this information has been moved to Appendix A of this User’s Manual. The help 

button at the bottom right of the user interface provides a reminder that look for help in the 

SPARRC User’s Manual. 
SPARRC User’s Manual

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Exhibit 6. Example Display of Inputs and Main Output for Ion Exchange 

4.2 SPARRC Inputs 

To change the model input variables, click on the up-down arrows to the right of the values or 

type a value in the input cell. The output results will automatically update to reflect the new input 

value. The Help Manual in Appendix A provides additional information for the inputs. 

To display a description for an input variable, hold the cursor over the field name until it turns 

red and a description will appear in a small pop-up window. 
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4.3 SPARRC Outputs 

The output section is on the right side of the screen. There are two output tabs. The Main 

Output tab reports physical outputs such as treated water quality and residuals quantities and 

qualities. The Annual Cost tab reports annual cost estimates for different types of residual 

disposal. 

The output on both tabs automatically updates as the inputs change. For example, changing the 

average flow will increase the quantity of residuals on the Main Output tab as well as disposal 

costs on the Annual Cost tab. 

The purpose of the Annual Cost tab is to provide disposal cost estimates for comparison across 

disposal alternatives (see example in Exhibit 7). It contains a table of cost estimates for various 

liquid and solid disposal methods that reflect the output residual quantities. These costs include 

only the incremental costs to transport and dispose of liquid or solid residuals. They do not 

include capital costs for residuals handling infrastructure such as storage facilities, or annual 

costs for residuals handling labor. 

The rows show different types of residual disposal methods and the columns distinguish between 

cost outputs for liquid and solid wastes. In some cases, annual residuals will include solids and 

liquids. In other cases, costs pertain to only one type of residual. The cost output in Exhibit 7 is 

an example where annual residuals are likely to include only liquids because the operation model 

is regenerated ion exchange. 

Annual cost estimates can be based on “System Default” unit costs in SPARRC or on sitespecific unit costs entered by the user. Use the Unit Cost Set list box at the top left of the 

Annual Cost tab to select which costs to use. Another entry option at the top right can be used to 

enter the distance to disposal facilities. Changing this value will alter transportation costs that are 

based on mileage. 

To enter user-defined unit costs, click on the Adjust Unit Costs button to the right of the list 

box. This activates a window with two list boxes (see Exhibit 8). Use the top list box to select 

either System Default unit costs or User Adjusted unit costs. Use the second list box to select 

one of the following categories of unit costs shown in Exhibit 9. 
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Exhibit 7. Example Display of SPARRC Annual Cost Tab 

Exhibit 8. Pop-up Window With Unit Cost Data 
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Exhibit 9. Categories of Unit Costs in SPARRC

Unit Costs for Liquid Residuals Unit Costs for Solid Residuals 

Direct Discharge

Discharge to POTW 

Underground Injection 

Contracted Uranium Extraction

Hazardous Landill 

Hazardous LLRW 

Non-hazardous Landfill 

Non-hazardous LLRW 

TENORM Landfill 

Selecting a unit cost category updates the data entry information in the Category Items section. 

A user can enter site-specific unit costs in the Unit Cost column, making sure that the 

measurement units match the units shown in the Item column. For example, site-specific costs 

for wastewater disposal fees need to be in dollars per thousand gallons ($/1000gal). This means 

that fees for a POTW that has a different fee structure (e.g., a fixed base charge plus a volumetric 

charge) must be converted to average dollars per thousand gallons. For more information on the 

unit cost items in each Category and how they are used in SPARRC, see Appendix B. 

5. Printing Output Results 

To generate a text output report, click on the Printable Report button located in the lower menu 

bar on the user interface. SPARRC will display a text report using Windows Notepad that 

contains the input and output variables. Exhibit 10 shows a partial report for the ion exchange 

model. You can use the File menu in Windows Notepad to print this document and save it. 
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Exhibit 10. Display of Output Report 
SPARRC User’s Manual

Appendix A 

Help Manual 
SPARRC User’s Manual

A-1 

A.1 Introduction 

For each technology included in SPARRC, this appendix provides: (1) an overview and 

description of the technology, (2) a description of the inputs required, and (3) a description of the 

outputs shown on the Main Output tab, with details of the internal calculations SPARRC 

performs for each output. 

A.1.1 Inputs and Outputs Common to All Technologies

In general, the following inputs are common to all of the technologies: 

Design Flow: 

Design Flow is the nominal capacity of the treatment technology in million gallons per day 

(mgd). SPARRC accepts design flows as low as 0.01 to 0.05 mgd and as high as 100 to 500 

mgd, depending on the technology. 

Average Flow or Average Influent Flow: 

Average Flow is entered in mgd. It includes water that is treated (treated flow) and water that 

is bypassed (bypass flow). SPARRC accepts average flows as low as 0.01 to 0.05 mgd and as 

high as 100 to 500 mgd, depending on the technology. 

Bypass Flow: 

Bypass Flow is the flow of water, in mgd, that bypasses the treatment process. It is a portion of 

average flow that is not treated. SPARRC accepts bypass flows as low as 0 mgd and as high as 

100 to 500 mgd, depending on the technology. 

The following outputs are common to all of the technologies: 

Treated Flow or Treated Water Flow or Influent Treated Flow: 

Treated Flow is the portion of average flow, in mgd, that is treated, calculated as: 

[Treated Flow (mgd)] = [Average Flow (mgd)] – [Bypass Flow (mgd)] 

Finished Flow or Finished Water Flow: 

Finished Flow is the result of blending treated flow with the untreated bypass flow, in mgd. It 

represents the production flow that is sent to other treatment units or to consumers. It is equal 

to the average flow. 

Exhibit A-1 shows the relationships among average flow, bypass flow, treated flow, and finished 

flow. 
SPARRC User’s Manual

A-2 

Exhibit A-1. Flow Terminology in SPARRC 

A.2 Coagulation Filtration 

The Coagulation Filtration technology is not complete in the current version of SPARRC. 

A.3 Lime Softening 

The Lime Softening technology is not complete in the current version of SPARRC. 

A.4 Ion Exchange 

A.4.1 Ion Exchange Technology Overview 

Ion exchange is a process where pre-saturated ions are exchanged from the surface of a solid 

with ions of the same charge in the feed water. In this process, source water is continually passed 

through the bed of ion exchange resin beads in a down-flow or up-flow mode and the unwanted 

ions in the water are replaced with like-charged ions from the solid resin. The contaminant ions 

bond with the resin and slowly build up in the bed until the resin’s exchange capacity is reached. 

At this point, the resin must be regenerated in order to restore capacity or disposed and replaced 

with fresh resin. 

Regeneration, if used, consists of the following steps: (1) backwash, (2) regeneration, (3) slow 

rinse, and (4) fast rinse. After the resin capacity is exhausted, the source water supply is stopped 

and the bed is backwashed to remove suspended solids collected on the bed. In addition, 

backwashing is performed periodically as needed to remove debris from the resin. In the 

backwashing step, water is passed up-flow through the resin bed to remove debris. After 

backwashing the bed is regenerated with brine or another appropriate chemical (Note that 

Average 

Daily Flow 

(influent)

Bypass Flow

Treated 

Flow

Finished Flow 

(to other 

treatment or 

customers)

Treatment 

Process

Average 

Daily Flow 

(influent)

Bypass Flow

Treated 

Flow

Finished Flow 

(to other 

treatment or 

customers)

Treatment 

Process
SPARRC User’s Manual

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SPARRC considers regeneration with sodium chloride brine only). During regeneration, the 

unwanted ions collected on the bed during exhaustion are replaced with innocuous ions that can 

be used to exchange unwanted ions in source water during exhaustion. After regeneration, the 

bed undergoes slow and then fast rinsing before re-entering operation. This regeneration process 

generates liquid waste streams (spent regenerant and rinse and backwash water) that may require 

treatment, reduction and disposal. If regeneration is not used, the process generates waste in the 

form of spent resin laden with the contaminant ion. SPAARC considers both types of ion 

exchange process: regenerated and throwaway. 

SPARRC also considers the use of two types of ion exchange resins: strong base anion (SBA) 

resin for removal of uranium, and strong acid cation (SAC) resin for removal of radium. SAC 

resins also can remove uranium when influent water pH is less than 6. Although this treatment 

approach might not be practical when uranium is the only targeted contaminant, SPARRC 

calculates uranium removal for SAC resin when the user selects pH of 6 or less. 

The largest application of ion exchange to drinking water treatment is in the area of softening 

using cation exchange, where hardness ions such as calcium and magnesium are removed from 

feed water and replaced by sodium or potassium. Cation exchange also has been employed to 

remove contaminant cations such as barium, radium, and strontium from the feed water by 

displacing like charged ions (typically hydrogen) bonded to sulfonates or carboxylates suspended 

in a polystyrene matrix (AWWA/ASCE 1998). In a hardness removal exchanger, during 

exhaustion, the calcium and magnesium are exchanged with sodium ions in the resin phase 

according to the following reactions: 

R-Na+ + Ca+2  R2Ca + Na+ 

R-Na+ + Mg+2  R2Mg + Na+

Where, R denotes resin matrix. After exhaustion the resins are regenerated with brine according 

to the following reactions: 

R2Ca + Na+  R-Na+ + Ca+2 

R2Mg + Na+  R-Na+ + Mg+2 

In addition to calcium and magnesium cations, SAC also removes radium during the softening 

process. 

Anion exchange has been employed to remove nitrates, sulfates, arsenic, selenium and uranium 

from water (AWWA/ASCE 1998). In this process, negatively charged ions such as chloride or 

hydroxide are displaced from their locations on insoluble, solid exchange resins by ions of the 
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same charge in solution. Through the selective use of particular resins, specific contaminant 

anions in solution (in the feed water) can be targeted for removal and replacement by ions that 

are more desirable. 

A.4.2 Ion Exchange Design Validity Checks and Warning Messages 

When ion exchange is used in a regenerated mode, SPARRC performs calculations to determine 

if the calculated regeneration parameters are within a reasonable range for typical resins, based 

on the user’s inputs. This section describes these warning messages and how to adjust inputs to 

correct them. Section A.4.3 describes the individual inputs mentioned here in more detail and 

Section A.4.4 describes the calculations used to make these validity checks. 

“The regenerant dose has reached its practical operable limit ...” 

SPARRC displays this warning when the user’s inputs result in a regenerant dose that is 

greater than that typically used in ion exchange. In checking for this problem, SPARRC 

assumes an operational limit of 22 pounds of NaCl per cubic foot of resin for a strong base 

anion (SBA) resin and an operational limit of 20 pounds NaCl per cubic foot of resin for a 

strong acid cation (SAC) resin. 

To correct this problem, users can: 

• Reduce the input used for Brine (Bed Volumes) (i.e., reduce the quantity of brine 

delivered during regeneration). 

• Reduce the input used for NaCl weight (% brine solution) (i.e., reduce the strength of 

brine used for regeneration). 

 “Make sure that the amount of salt of x lb/cubic foot of resin used to regenerate the 

resin is sufficient.” 

SPARRC displays this warning when the user’s inputs result in a regenerant dose that is less 

than that typically used in ion exchange. In checking for this problem, SPARRC assumes an 

operational minimum of 7.6 pounds of NaCl per cubic foot of resin. 

This warning can be considered advisory, if the user is certain that the regenerant dose 

displayed is reasonable to restore the desired capacity to the resin. If uncertain, to correct this 

problem, users can: 

• Increase the input used for Brine (Bed Volumes) (i.e., increase the quantity of brine 

delivered during regeneration). 

• Increase the input used for NaCl weight (% brine solution) (i.e., increase the strength of 

brine used for regeneration). 
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 “The regeneration efficiency of x is incompatible with the regeneration level of y.” 

For strong acid cation (SAC) resins, SPARRC displays this warning when the user’s inputs 

result in a regenerant dose that is, theoretically, too high or too low, given the quantity of 

hardness the regenerant is intended to remove from the resin. SPARRC makes this 

determination by calculating a theoretical efficiency (equivalents of NaCl provided per 

equivalents of hardness removed as CaCO3), using the following formula: 

[Theoretical Efficiency (eq NaCl/eq CaCO3)] = 0.1678 * [Regeneration Level (lbs NaCl/ft3 resin)] + 0.7648

This theoretical efficiency calculation is based on operating data for Amberlite IR-120 SAC 

resin as presented in AWWA/ASCE (1998). If the actual efficiency resulting from the user’s 

inputs is not within 10% of the theoretical value, SPARRC displays the warning. 

To correct this problem, users can: 

• Adjust the input used for Bed Volumes to Regeneration (i.e., change the quantity of 

hardness removed between regenerations). 

• Adjust the input used for Brine (Bed Volumes) (i.e., change the quantity of brine 

delivered during regeneration and, therefore, the quantity of NaCl provided). 

• Adjust the input used for NaCl weight (% brine solution) (i.e., change the strength of 

brine used for regeneration and, therefore, the quantity of NaCl provided). 

A.4.3 Ion Exchange Inputs 

Design Flow, Average Flow, and Bypass Flow: 

See Section A.1. 

Raw Water Radium Concentration: 

Raw Water Radium Concentration is entered in picocuries per liter (pCi/L) and represents the 

radium concentration in the influent water. SPARRC accepts radium concentrations from 0.01 

to 500 pCi/L. This input is not applicable when using SBA resin for uranium removal. 

Raw Water Uranium Concentration: 

Raw Water Uranium Concentration is entered in micrograms per liter (μg/L) and represents 

the uranium concentration in the influent water. SPARRC accepts uranium concentrations 

from 0.01 to 1,000 μg/L. This input is ignored when using SAC resin for radium removal, if 

the pH is greater than 6 (see Raw Water pH, below).

Mass to Activity Ratio: 

Mass to Activity Ratio is the mass of uranium exhibiting a radioactivity of one picocurie. It is 

entered in units of micrograms per picocurie (μg/pCi). SPARRC accepts mass to activity ratios 

of 0.1 to 5 μg/pCi. A typical value is 1 μg/pCi. 
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Raw Water TSS Concentration: 

Raw Water Total Suspended Solids (TSS) Concentration is entered in milligrams per liter 

(mg/L) and represents the TSS concentration in the influent water. SPARRC uses this value in 

calculating the dry basis concentration of the contaminant in liquid wastes. SPARRC accepts 

TSS concentrations of 0.01 to 300 mg/L, although values of <1 to <3 mg/L are typical for ion 

exchange to operate. 

Raw Water TDS Concentration: 

Raw Water Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) Concentration is entered in milligrams per liter 

(mg/L) and represents the TDS concentration in the influent water. SPARRC assumes there is 

no TDS removal with ion exchange and therefore this concentration is the same as the finished 

water TDS concentration. SPARRC accepts TDS concentrations of 0.01 to 10,000 mg/L, and 

uses this value to calculate the TDS concentration ultimately received by the POTW, after 

treatment residuals are combined with inflows from community use. 

Raw Water Hardness: 

Raw Water Hardness is typically defined as the sum of calcium and magnesium in the influent 

water and entered in milligrams per liter (mg/L) as CaCO3. SPARRC accepts raw water 

hardness from 1 to 5,000 mg/L. Raw water hardness can control the removal of radium by 

SAC resin. As discussed in Clifford (1999), a system run to hardness breakthrough will also 

achieve a steady state of radium removal after about five regeneration cycles. This input is not 

applicable when using SBA resin for uranium removal. 

Raw Water pH: 

Raw water pH is the pH of the influent water. SPARRC accepts a range from 3.5 to 10. Raw 

water pH controls uranium removal as discussed in Section A.4.4. 

Resin Type: 

This input allows the user to select the type of resin: strong acid cation (SAC) resin for 

hardness and radium removal (and uranium at pH less than or equal to 6) or strong base anion 

(SBA) resin for uranium removal. 

Regenerated: 

This is a yes or no input allowing the user to specify whether the anion exchange resin is 

regenerated or used on a throwaway basis (i.e., resin is disposed and replaced with fresh resin). 

This option is not available for cation exchange resin, which is assumed to be always 

regenerated. 

EBCT: 

EBCT, or Empty Bed Contact Time, is defined as the time required, in minutes, for water to 

pass through the volume equivalent of the resin bed. SPARRC accepts EBCTs of 0.1 to 20 

minutes. A typical value is 3 minutes. 

Bed Depth: 
SPARRC User’s Manual

A-7 

Bed Depth is the depth of the resin bed in feet. This input determines the surface area of the 

resin bed and, therefore, the quantity of backwash required, when backwash is used outside of 

the regeneration cycle (see the input Backwash Outside Regeneration Cycle and the output 

Backwash Waste Outside Regeneration Cycle, below). Bed Depths for ion exchange typically 

range between 2.5 and 6 feet. This input is ignored when backwash outside of the regeneration 

cycle is not required. 

Bed Volumes to Regeneration: 

Bed Volumes to Regeneration represents the exchange capacity of the resin. Although titled 

“Bed Volumes to Regeneration,” the input also applies when throwaway operation is selected. 

Once a volume of water equal to this many volumes of the resin bed passes through the 

treatment process, the media is considered exhausted and must be regenerated or replaced. 

For SAC resin, users may wish to verify that the value selected for this input is appropriate for 

the operating capacity of their resin in kilograins CaCO3 per cubic foot and the raw water 

hardness, using the following equation: 

[Bed Volumes to Regeneration] = ( [resin capacity (kilograins/ft3)] * 453,000 (mg/lb) ) / ( [Raw Water Hardness (mg/L)] * 7 

(kilograins / lb) * 7.48 (gallons/ft3) * 3.78 (L/gallon) 

Resin operating capacity in kilograins per cubic foot, which usually varies depending on the 

regeneration level and other conditions (such as TDS, pH, and ion concentration) between 20 

and 30 kilograins per cubic foot. The following table (from Clifford, 1999) shows typical resin 

operating capacities, given different regeneration levels (regeneration level is a SPARRC 

output discussed below): 

 Regeneration Level (lbs/ft3) Resin Capacity (kilograins/ft3) 

 4 17 

 6 20 

 8 22 

 10 25 

 15 27 

 20 29 

Note that, to further verify that the value selected for this input is appropriate when combined 

with the inputs for Brine (Bed Volumes) and NaCl weight (% brine solution) (see below), 

SPARRC performs calculations to determine if the calculated regeneration parameters are 

within a reasonable range for a typical SAC resin. If they are not within a reasonable range, 

SPARRC displays warning messages. See Section A.4.2 for more information on these 

warning messages. 

Radium Removal: 

Radium Removal is the percentage (%) of radium in the influent water that is removed by the 

ion exchange treatment process. SPARRC accepts radium removals of 1 to 100%. For typical 

values, one method is to calculate radium removal based on hardness removal (U.S. EPA 

1977), although other factors may affect radium removal: 
SPARRC User’s Manual

A-8 

[Radium Removal (%)] = 0.25 * [Hardness Removal (%)] + 72.5

This input is not applicable when using SBA resin for uranium removal.

Hardness Removal: 

Hardness Removal is the percentage (%) of hardness in the influent water that is removed by 

the ion exchange treatment process. SPARRC accepts radium removals of 1 to 100%. 

This input is not applicable when using SBA resin for uranium removal. 

Backwash, Brine, Slow Rinse, and Fast Rinse (Bed Volumes): 

These inputs specify the quantity of liquid used in each step of the regeneration process. Each 

is entered in bed volumes, meaning they use a volume of liquid equal to the entered value 

times the volume of the resin bed. Users who are not familiar with measuring regeneration 

quantities in terms of bed volumes can examine the output quantities shown for the various 

steps (in gallons per regeneration event and gallons per day) to verify their input selections. 

Note that, to further verify that the value selected for Brine (Bed Volumes) is appropriate 

when combined with the inputs for Bed Volumes to Regeneration and NaCl weight (% brine 

solution) (see below), SPARRC performs calculations to determine if the calculated 

regeneration parameters are within a reasonable range for typical resins. If they are not within 

a reasonable range, SPARRC displays warning messages. See Section A.4.2 for more 

information on these warning messages. 

These inputs are not applicable when operating in throwaway (non-regenerated) mode. 

NaCl weight (% brine solution): 

NaCl weight is the concentration of brine used in regenerating the resin., entered as a 

percentage (%). SPARRC accepts percentage of 0.01 to 60%, although concentrations are 

usually between 8 and 14%, with 10% being typical (AWWA/ASCE 1998). 

To further verify that the value selected for NaCl weight (% brine solution) is appropriate 

when combined with the inputs for Bed Volumes to Regeneration and Brine (Bed Volumes) 

(see above), SPARRC performs calculations to determine if the calculated regeneration 

parameters are within a reasonable range for typical resins. If they are not within a reasonable 

range, SPARRC displays warning messages. See Section A.4.2 for more information on these 

warning messages. 

This input is not applicable when operating in throwaway (non-regenerated) mode. 

Backwash Outside Regeneration Cycle: 

This is a yes or no input allowing the user to specify whether additional backwash is required 

in between regular regenerations. This input is not applicable when operating in throwaway 

(non-regenerated) mode. Operationally, periodic backwash will be required when operating in 

throwaway mode, but this backwash is likely to have minimal effect on the radionuclide 

concentrations on the resin. Therefore, SPARRC does not require input relating to backwash 

when operating in throwaway mode. 
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A-9 

Backwash Rate: 

Backwash Rate represents the rate, in gallons per minute, at which water is passed through the 

resin bed per unit of surface area of the bed, in square feet (gpm/ft2), for backwash events that 

occur outside the regeneration cycle. SPARRC accepts backwash rates of 1 to 10 gpm/ft2. 

Typical rates vary depending on specific resin and manufacturer. 

This input is not applicable when backwash outside of the regeneration cycle is not required. 

Backwash Time: 

Backwash Time is the time, in minutes, over which backwash occurs, for backwash events that 

occur outside the regeneration cycle. SPARRC accepts backwash times of 1 to 30 minutes. 

This input is not applicable when backwash outside of the regeneration cycle is not required. 

Backwash Interval: 

Backwash Interval represents the frequency with which backwash occurs, for backwash events 

that occur outside the regeneration cycle, entered as the number of hours between events. 

SPARRC accepts backwash intervals of 1 to 720 hours (or 30 days). 

This input is not applicable when backwash outside of the regeneration cycle is not required. 

Water Loss: 

Water Loss is entered as a percentage (%) and represents the portion of finished water that is 

“lost” during distribution to and use by the community. This loss is not ultimately treated by 

the community’s publicly owned treatment works (POTW). SPARRC uses this value to 

calculate the radionuclide and TDS concentration ultimately received by the POTW, after 

treatment residuals are combined with inflows from community use. 

A.4.4 Ion Exchange Outputs 

Treated Water Flow and Finished Water Flow: 

See Section A.1. 

Radium Removal: 

Radium Removal is the percentage (%) of radium in the influent water that is removed by the 

cation exchange treatment process. For treated water, it is identical to the value entered by the 

user as an input. For finished water, it is calculated as follows: 

[Finished Water Radium Removal (%)] = ( [Raw Water Radium Concentration (pCi/L)] – [Finished Water Radium 

Concentration (pCi/L)] ) * 100 / [Raw Water Radium Concentration (pCi/L)] 

This output is not shown when using SBA resin for uranium removal. 

Uranium Removal: 

Uranium Removal is the percentage (%) of uranium in the influent water that is removed by 

the ion exchange treatment process. For treated water, SPARRC estimates uranium removal as 
SPARRC User’s Manual

A-10 

follows: 

For strong acid cation (SAC) resin: 

If [Raw Water pH] > = 6.1, then [Uranium Removal (%)] = 0 

If [Raw Water pH] < 6.1 and > 3.8, then [Uranium Removal (%)] = -195*Log( [Raw Water pH] ) + 355

If [Raw Water pH] < 3.8 and >= 3.5, then [Uranium Removal (%)] = 99

For strong base anion (SBA) resin: 

If [Raw Water pH] > = 5.8, then [Uranium Removal (%)] = 99

If [Raw Water pH] < 6.1 and > 3.8, then [Uranium Removal (%)] = 4.5*([Raw Water pH])2 – 4.2*( [Raw Water pH] ) – 45.18

If [Raw Water pH] < 3.8, then [Uranium Removal (%)] = 0

Uranium removals were approximated using the distributions of uranyl-carbonate and uranyl 

hydroxides complexes versus pH developed by Langmuir (1974). 

For finished water, it is calculated as follows: 

[Finished Water Uranium Removal (%)] = ( [Raw Water Uranium Concentration (μg/L)] – [Finished Water Uranium 

Concentration (μg/L)] ) * 100 / [Raw Water Uranium Concentration (pCi/L)] 

Hardness Removal: 

Hardness Removal is the percentage (%) of hardness in the influent water that is removed by 

the cation exchange treatment process. For treated water, it is identical to the value entered by 

the user as an input. For finished water, it is calculated as follows: 

[Finished Water Hardness Removal (%)] = ( [Raw Water Hardness Concentration (mg/L)] – [Finished Water Hardness 

Concentration (mg/L)] ) * 100 / [Raw Water Hardness Concentration (mg/L)] 

This output is not shown when using SBA resin for uranium removal. 

Radium Concentration: 

Radium Concentration is the concentration of radium in picocuries per liter (pCi/L) in the 

treated and finished water after treatment: 

[Treated Water Radium Concentration (pCi/L)] = [Raw Water Radium Concentration (pCi/L)] * ( 100 – [Radium Removal

(%)] ) / 100 

[Finished Water Radium Concentration (pCi/L)] = ( [Treated Water Flow (mgd)] * [Treated Water Radium Concentration

(pCi/L)] + [Bypass Flow (mgd)] * [Raw Water Radium Concentration (pCi/L)] ) / [Finished Water Flow (mgd)] 

This output is not shown when using SBA resin for uranium removal. 

Uranium Concentration: 

Uranium Concentration is the concentration of uranium in micrograms per liter (μg/L) in the 

treated and finished water after treatment: 

[Treated Water Uranium Concentration (μg/L)] = [Raw Water Uranium Concentration (μg/L)] * ( 100 – [Uranium 

Removal (%)] ) / 100 

[Finished Water Uranium Concentration (μg/L)] = ( [Treated Water Flow (mgd)] * [Treated Water Uranium

Concentration (μg/L)] + [Bypass Flow (mgd)] * [Raw Water Uranium Concentration (μg/L)] ) / [Finished Water Flow

(mgd)] 
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A-11 

Hardness Concentration: 

Hardness Concentration is the concentration of hardness in milligrams per liter (mg/L) in the 

treated and finished water after treatment: 

[Treated Water Hardness Concentration (mg/L)] = [Raw Water Hardness Concentration (mg/L)] * ( 100 – [Hardness 

Removal (%)] ) / 100 

[Finished Water Hardness Concentration (mg/L)] = ( [Treated Water Flow (mgd)] * [Treated Water Hardness 

Concentration (mg/L)] + [Bypass Flow (mgd)] * [Raw Water Hardness Concentration (mg/L)] ) / [Finished Water Flow 

(mgd)] 

This output is not shown when using SBA resin for uranium removal. 

Resin Volume: 

The Resin Volume is the volume in cubic feet (ft3) of the resin bed: 

[Resin Volume (ft3)] = [Design Flow (mgd)] * [EBCT (minutes)] * 106 (gallons/million gallons) / ( 1440 (minutes/day) * 7.48

(gallons/ ft3) ) 

Resin Weight: 

Media Weight is the weight, in pound (lbs), of the resin in the bed: 

[Resin Weight (lbs)] = [Resin Volume (ft3)] * [Resin Density (lbs/ft3)] 

SPARRC assumes a resin density of 43 lbs/ft3 for strong base anion (SBA) resin and 50 lbs/ft3

for strong acid cation (SAC) resin. 

Regeneration Level: 

Regeneration Level is the regenerant dose delivered to the resin in pounds of NaCl per cubic 

foot of resin (lbs/ft3

): 

[Regeneration Level (lbs/ft3)] =[Brine NaCl (lbs/cycle)] / [Resin Volume (ft3)] 

Where: 

[Brine NaCl (lbs/cycle)] = [Brine Volume (ft3/cycle)] * [Brine Density (lbs/gallon)] * 7.48 (gallons/ft3) * [NaCl weight (% brine 

solultion) (%)] / 100

[Brine Volume (ft3/cycle)] = [Brine (Bed Volumes)]*[Resin Volume (ft3)] 

[Brine Density (lbs/gallon)] = 0.926 * [NaCl weight (% brine solultion) (%)] - 0.2491 

SPARRC uses this output in performing the design validations discussed in Section A.4.2. 

This output is not shown when operating in throwaway (non-regenerated) mode. 

NaCl Applied: 

NaCl Applied is the number of equivalents of NaCl applied per liter of resin (eq NaCl/L) 

during regeneration: 

[NaCl Applied (eq NaCl/L)] = ( (Brine NaCl (lbs/cycle)] / 2.2 (lb/kg) * 1,000 (g/kg) ) / 58.5 (g/eq NaCl/) ) / ( [Resin Volume

(ft3

)] * 28.3 (L/ft3) ) 

Where: 

[Brine NaCl (lbs/cycle)] = [Brine Volume (ft3/cycle)] * [Brine Density (lbs/gallon)] * 7.48 (gallons/ft3) * [NaCl weight (% brine 
SPARRC User’s Manual

A-12 

solultion) (%)] / 100

[Brine Volume (ft3/cycle)] = [Brine (Bed Volumes)]*[Resin Volume (ft3)] 

[Brine Density (lbs/gallon)] = 0.926 * [NaCl weight (% brine solultion) (%)] - 0.2491 

This output is not shown when operating in throwaway (non-regenerated) mode. 

Hardness Capacity: 

Hardness Capacity is the number of equivalents of hardness as CaCO3 removed per liter of 

resin (eq CaCO3/L) from the influent water between regenerations: 

[Hardness Capacity (eq CaCO3/L)] = ( ( [Raw Water Hardness (mg/L)] * ( [Hardness Removal (%)] / 100 ) / 1,000 (mg/g) ) * 

( [Resin Volume (ft3

)] * [Bed Volumes to Regeneration] * 28.3 (L/ft3) ) / ( [Resin Volume (ft3)] * 28.3 (L/ft3) ) ) / 50 (g/eq 

CaCO3) 

Although it is labeled “Capacity,” this output actually represents the hardness removed, not the 

absolute capacity of the resin to remove hardness. This output is not shown when operating in 

throwaway (non-regenerated) mode or when using SBA resin for uranium removal. 

Regeneration Efficiency: 

Regeneration Efficiency relates the quantity of NaCl applied in regeneration to the quantity of 

hardness the regenerant is intended to remove from the resin. It is shown as equivalents of 

NaCl provided per equivalents of hardness removed as CaCO3 (eq NaCl/eq CaCO3): 

[Regeneration Efficiency (eq NaCl/ eq CaCO3)] = [NaCl Applied (eq NaCl/L)] / [Hardness Capacity (eq CaCO3/L)] 

SPARRC uses this output in performing the design validations discussed in Section A.4.2. 

This output is not shown when operating in throwaway (non-regenerated) mode or when using 

SBA resin for uranium removal. 

Changeouts Per Year: 

Changeouts Per Year is the number of times per year that the resin must be replace when 

operating in throwaway (non-regenerated) mode: 

[Changeouts Per Year] = 365 (days/year) / ( [Resin Volume (ft3)] * [Bed Volumes to Regeneration] * 7.48 (gallons/ft3) / ( 

106

 (gallons/million gallons) * [Treated Water Flow (mgd)])) 

This output is only shown when operating in throwaway (non-regenerated) mode. 

Annual Media Disposal: 

Annual Media Disposal is the quantity of spent resin, in cubic feet, that must be disposed each 

year (ft3/year): 

[Annual Media Disposal (ft3/year)] = [Resin Volume (ft3)] * [Changeouts Per Year] 

This output is only shown when operating in throwaway (non-regenerated) mode. 

Resin Radium Concentration: 

Resin Radium Concentration is the quantity of radium, in picocuries, that accumulates on each 

gram of spent resin (pCi/g) between changeouts: 
SPARRC User’s Manual

A-13 

[Resin Radium Concentration (pCi/g)] = ( [Total Waste Radium Removal (pCi/day)] * 365 (days/year) ) / ([Resin Weight

(lbs)] * [Changeouts Per Year] / 2.2 (lb/kg)) / 1,000 (g/kg) 

This output is only shown when operating in throwaway (non-regenerated) mode. 

Resin Uranium Concentration: 

Resin Uranium Concentration is the quantity of uranium, in picocuries, that accumulates on 

each gram of spent resin (pCi/g) between changeouts: 

[Resin Uranium Concentration (pCi/g)] = ( [Total Waste Uranium Daily Removal (μg/day)] / [Mass to Activity Ratio

(μg/pCi)] * 365 (days/year) ) / ([Resin Weight (lbs)] * [Changeouts Per Year] / 2.2 (lb/kg)) / 1,000 (g/kg) 

This output is only shown when operating in throwaway (non-regenerated) mode. 

Regeneration Waste Volume and Flow (brine + slow rinse): 

Regeneration Waste Volume and Flow (brine + slow rinse) is the volume, in gallons per 

regeneration event (gal/event) and gallons per day (gal/day), of concentrated waste produced 

during the regeneration process. The waste includes waste brine solution and slow rinse 

wastewater: 

[Regeneration Waste Volume (brine + slow rinse) (gal/event)] = ( [Brine (Bed Volumes)] + [Slow Rinse (Bed Volumes)] ) 

* [Resin Volume (ft3

)] * 7.48 (gal/ft3) 

[Regeneration Waste Flow (brine + slow rinse) (gal/day)] = ( [Brine (Bed Volumes)] + [Slow Rinse (Bed Volumes)] ) * 

[Cycles Per Day] * [Resin Volume (ft3)] * 7.48 (gal/ft3) 

Where: 

[Cycles Per Day] = [Treated Water Flow (mgd)] * 106 (gallons/million gallons) / ( 7.48 (gal/ft3) * [Resin Volume (ft3)] * [Bed 

Volumes to Regeneration] ) 

SPARRC combines the two quantities for output because the slow rinse and brine steps of 

regeneration overlap and the two waste streams often cannot be separated and, therefore, have 

similar characteristics. To check the quantity of the individual parts of this waste (e.g., brine or 

slow rinse), users can reduce the number of bed volumes input for the other portion of the 

waste to 0. This output is not shown when operating in throwaway (non-regenerated) mode. 

Regeneration Waste Hardness Concentration (brine + slow rinse): 

Regeneration Waste Hardness Concentration (brine + slow rinse) is the hardness 

concentration, in milligrams per liter as CaCO3 (mg/L), of concentrated waste produced during 

the regeneration process: 

[Regeneration Waste Hardness Concentration (brine + slow rinse) (mg/L)] = ( [Hardness Capacity (eq CaCO3/L resin)] ) 

/ ( [Brine (Bed Volumes) (L liquid/L resin)] + [Slow Rinse (Bed Volumes) (L liquid/L resin)] ) * 50 (g/eq CaCO3) * 1,000 

(mg/g) 

This output is not shown when operating in throwaway (non-regenerated) mode or when using 

SBA resin for uranium removal. 

Time To Breakthrough: 

Time To Breakthrough is the number of hours between regeneration events: 

[Time To Breakthrough (hours)] = 24 (hours/day) / [Cycles Per Day] 
SPARRC User’s Manual

A-14 

Where: 

[Cycles Per Day] = [Treated Water Flow (mgd)] * 106 (gallons/million gallons) / ( 7.48 (gal/ft3) * [Resin Volume (ft3)] * [Bed 

Volumes to Regeneration] ) 

This output is not shown when operating in throwaway (non-regenerated) mode. 

Excess NaCl: 

Excess NaCl is the concentration in milligrams per liter (mg/L) of NaCl in the regeneration 

waste (brine + slow rinse). It is NaCl above that required to remove accumulated hardness that 

is 

[Excess NaCl (mg/L)] = ( [NaCl Applied (eq NaCl/L resin)] - [Hardness Capacity (eq CaCO3/L resin)] ) / ( [Brine (Bed 

Volumes) (L liquid/L resin)] + [Slow Rinse (Bed Volumes) (L liquid/L resin)] ) * 58.5 (g/eq NaCl) * 1,000 (mg/g) 

This output is not shown when operating in throwaway (non-regenerated) mode or when using 

SBA resin for uranium removal. 

Regeneration Dissolved Solids: 

Regeneration Dissolved Solids is the concentration in milligrams per liter (mg/L) of total 

dissolved solids (TDS) in the regeneration waste (brine + slow rinse). It is the sum of the 

regenerant salt concentration assuming all hardness is Ca2+ hardness (in mg/L of CaCl2) and 

the Excess NaCl in mg/L of NaCl: 

[Total Dissolved Solids (mg/L)] = [Hardness Capacity (eq CaCO3/L resin)] / ( [Brine (Bed Volumes) (L liquid/L resin)] + 

[Slow Rinse (Bed Volumes) (L liquid/L resin)] ) * 1 (eq CaCl2/eq Ca CO3) * 111 (g/eq CaCO3) * 1,000 (mg/g) + [Excess NaCl

(mg/L)] 

Assuming that hardness is in magnesium and/or iron would result in slightly lower TDS levels. 

This output is not shown when operating in throwaway (non-regenerated) mode. 

Regeneration Waste Radium Concentration (brine + slow rinse): 

Regeneration Waste Radium Concentration (brine + slow rinse) is the concentration of radium 

in picocuries per liter (pCi/L) in the regeneration waste (brine + slow rinse): 

[Regeneration Waste Radium Concentration (brine + slow rinse) (pCi/L)] = [Raw Water Radium Concentration (pCi/L)] * 

( [Radium Removal (%)] / 100 ) * [Treated Water Flow (mgd)] * 106

 (gallons/million gallons) / [Regeneration Waste Flow 

(brine + slow rinse) (gal/day)] 

This output is not shown when using SBA resin for uranium removal. 

Regeneration Waste Uranium Concentration (brine + slow rinse): 

Regeneration Waste Uranium Concentration (brine + slow rinse) is the concentration of 

uranium in micrograms per liter (μg/L) and picocuries per liter (pCi/L) in the regeneration 

waste (brine + slow rinse): 

[Regeneration Waste Uranium Concentration (brine + slow rinse) (μg/L)] = [Raw Water Uranium Concentration (μg/L)] 

* ( [Uranium Removal (%)] / 100 ) * [Treated Water Flow (mgd)] * 106 (gallons/million gallons) / [Regeneration Waste Flow 

(brine + slow rinse) (gal/day)] 

The concentration is converted to picocuries/liter using the mass to activity ratio: 

[Concentration (pCi/L)] = [Concentration (μg/L)] / [Mass to Activity Ratio (μg/pCi)] 
SPARRC User’s Manual

A-15 

Additional Regeneration Waste Volume (fast rinse + backwash): 

Additional Regeneration Waste Volume (fast rinse + backwash) is the volume, in gallons per 

regeneration event (gal/event), gallons per day (gal/day), and gallons per year (gal/year), of 

additional waste produced during the regeneration process. The waste includes fast rinse 

wastewater and spent backwash water produced during regeneration: 

[Additional Regeneration Waste Volume (fast rinse + backwash) (gal/event)] = ( [Fast Rinse (Bed Volumes)] + 

[Backwash (Bed Volumes)] ) * [Resin Volume (ft3)] * 7.48 (gal/ft3) 

[Additional Regeneration Waste Volume (fast rinse + backwash) (gal/day)] = ([Fast Rinse (Bed Volumes)] + [Backwash 

(Bed Volumes)] ) * [Cycles Per Day] * [Resin Volume (ft3

)] * 7.48 (gal/ft3) 

[Additional Regeneration Waste Volume (fast rinse + backwash) (gal/year)] = 365 (days/year) * [Additional 

Regeneration Waste Volume (fast rinse + backwash) (gal/day)] 

Where: 

[Cycles Per Day] = [Treated Water Flow (mgd)] * 106 (gallons/million gallons) / ( 7.48 (gal/ft3) * [Resin Volume (ft3)] * [Bed 

Volumes to Regeneration] ) 

SPARRC combines the two quantities for output because the fast rinse and backwash steps of 

regeneration have similar characteristics (i.e., they are assumed not to contain the radionuclide 

contaminants). To check the quantity of the individual parts of this waste (e.g., fast rinse or 

regeneration backwash), users can reduce the number of bed volumes input for the other 

portion of the waste to 0. 

This output is not shown when operating in throwaway (non-regenerated) mode. 

Backwash Waste Volume Outside Regeneration Cycle: 

Backwash Waste Volume Outside Regeneration Cycle is the volume, in gallons per backwash 

event (gal/event), gallons per day (gal/day), and gallons per year (gal/year), of additional spent 

backwash water produced between regular regenerations: 

[Backwash Waste Volume Outside Regeneration Cycle (gal/event)] = [Backwash Rate (gpm/ft2) * [Filter Area (ft2)] * 

[Backwash Time (minutes)] 

[Backwash Waste Volume Outside Regeneration Cycle (gal/day)] = [Backwash Waste Volume Outside Regeneration 

Cycle (gal/event)] * 24 (hours/day) / [Backwash Interval (hours)] 

[Backwash Waste Volume Outside Regeneration Cycle (gal/year)] = [Backwash Waste Volume Outside Regeneration 

Cycle (gal/day)] * 365 (days/year) 

Where: 

[Filter Area (ft2)] = [Resin Volume (ft3)] / [Bed Depth (ft)] 

This output is not shown when operating in throwaway (non-regenerated) mode or when 

backwash outside regeneration cycle is set to “no.” Operationally, periodic backwash will be 

required when operating in throwaway mode, but this backwash is likely to have minimal 

effect on the radionuclide concentrations on the resin. Therefore, SPARRC assumes no 

radionuclides in spent backwash when operating in throwaway mode, and does not calculate 

spent backwash quanities. 
SPARRC User’s Manual

A-16 

Total Waste Volume (brine + slow rinse + fast rinse + backwash + backwash outside 

regeneration cycle): 

Total Waste Volume (brine + slow rinse + fast rinse + backwash + backwash outside 

regeneration cycle) is the volume, in gallons per day (gal/day), of all liquid waste streams once 

they are combined for disposal: 

[Total Waste Volume (brine + slow rinse + fast rinse + backwash + backwash outside regeneration cycle) (gal/day)] = 

[Regeneration Waste Flow (brine + slow rinse) (gal/day)] + [Additional Regeneration Waste Volume (fast rinse + 

backwash) (gal/day)] + [Backwash Waste Volume Outside Regeneration Cycle (gal/day)] 

It is assumed that finished water is the source of backwash and regeneration water. This 

output is not shown when operating in throwaway (non-regenerated) mode. 

Total Waste Solids (brine + slow rinse + fast rinse + backwash + backwash outside 

regeneration cycle): 

Total Waste Solids (brine + slow rinse + fast rinse + backwash + backwash outside 

regeneration cycle) is the quantity, in pounds per day (lb/day), of solids contained in the liquid 

waste streams once they are combined for disposal: 

[Total Waste Solids (brine + slow rinse + fast rinse + backwash + backwash outside regeneration cycle) (lb/day)] = 

[Treated Water Flow (mgd)] * 106

 (gallons/million gallons) * [Raw Water TSS Concentration (mg/L)] * 3.78 (L/gallon) / 

453,000 (mg/lb) 

SPARRC assumes that all suspended solids in the influent water are captured in by the resin 

bed, then removed during backwash and regeneration.

This output is not shown when operating in throwaway (non-regenerated) mode. 

Total Waste Dissolved Solids: 

Total Waste Dissolved Solids is the concentration in milligrams per liter (mg/L) of total 

dissolved solids (TDS) in the liquid waste streams once they are combined for disposal. This 

is calculated by combining regeneration waste (brine and slow rinse) with the rest the liquid 

residuals. It is assumed that the fast rinse, backwash, and backwash outside the regeneration 

cycle all have negligible TDS concentrations: 

[Total Waste Dissolved Solids (mg/L)] = [Regeneration Waste Dissolved Solids (mg/L)] * [Regeneration Waste Volume 

(brine + slow rinse) (gal/day)] / ( [Total Waste Volume (brine + slow rinse + fast rinse + backwash + backwash outside 

regeneration cycle) (gal/day)] + [Finished Water TDS Concentration (mg/L)] 

This output is not shown when operating in throwaway (non-regenerated) mode. 
SPARRC User’s Manual

A-17 

Total Waste Radium Concentration: 

Total Waste Radium Concentration is the concentration, in picocuries per liter (pCi/L), 

picocuries per gram of liquid (pCi/g wet basis), and picocuries per gram of solids (pCi/g dry 

basis), of radium in the liquid waste streams once they are combined for disposal: 

[Total Waste Radium Concentration (pCi/L)] = [Total Radium Removal (pCi/day)] / [Total Waste Volume (brine + slow 

rinse + fast rinse + backwash + backwash outside regeneration cycle) (gal/day)] / 3.78 (L/gal) + [Finished Water 

Radium Concentration (pCi/L)] 

 [Total Waste Radium Concentration (pCi/g wet basis)] = [Total Radium Removal (pCi/day)] / ( [Total Waste Volume 

(brine + slow rinse + fast rinse + backwash + backwash outside regeneration cycle) (gal/day)] * 8.34 (lb/gal) * 453.6 

(g/lb) ) 

[Total Waste Radium Concentration (pCi/g dry basis)] = [Total Radium Removal (pCi/day)] / ([ Total Waste Solids (brine 

+ slow rinse + fast rinse + backwash + backwash outside regeneration cycle) (lb/day)] * 453.6 (g/lb) ) 

This output is not shown when operating in throwaway (non-regenerated) mode or when using 

SBA resin for uranium removal. 

Total Radium Removal: 

Total Radium Removal is the total quantity of radium removed by the ion exchange process, in 

picocuries per day (pCi/day) and curies per year (Ci/year): 

[Total Radium Removal (pCi/day)] = [Raw Water Radium Concentration (pCi/L)] * ( [Radium Removal (%)] / 100) * 

[Treated Water Flow (mgd)] * 106

 (gallons/million gallons) * 3.78 (L/gal) 

[Total Radium Removal (Ci/year)] = [Total Radium Removal (pCi/day)] * 365 (days/year) / 1012 (pCi/Ci) 

This output is not shown when operating in throwaway (non-regenerated) mode or when using 

SBA resin for uranium removal. 

Total Waste Uranium Concentration: 

Total Waste Uranium Concentration is the concentration, in micrograms per liter (μg/L), 

picocuries per liter (pCi/L), micrograms per gram of liquid (μg/g wet basis), picocuries per 

gram of liquid (pCi/g wet basis), milligrams per gram of solids (mg/g dry basis), and 

picocuries per gram of solids (pCi/g dry basis), of uranium the liquid waste streams once they 

are combined for disposal: 

[Total Waste Uranium Concentration (μg/L)] = [Total Uranium Removal (mg/day)] / 1,000 (μg /mg) / [Total Waste 

Volume (brine + slow rinse + fast rinse + backwash + backwash outside regeneration cycle) (gal/day)] / 3.78 (L/gal)+ 

[Finished Water Uranium Concentration (μg/L)] 

 [Total Waste Uranium Concentration (μg/g wet basis)] = [Total Uranium Removal (mg/day)] / 1,000 (μg /mg) / ( [Total 

Waste Volume (brine + slow rinse + fast rinse + backwash + backwash outside regeneration cycle) (gal/day)] * 8.34 

(lb/gal) * 453.6 (g/lb) ) 

[Total Waste Uranium Concentration (mg/g dry basis)] = [Total Uranium Removal (mg/day)] / ([ Total Waste Solids 

(brine + slow rinse + fast rinse + backwash + backwash outside regeneration cycle) (lb/day)] * 453.6 (g/lb) ) 

The concentrations are converted to picocuries using the mass to activity ratio: [Mass to 

Activity Ratio (μg/pCi)]. This output is not shown when operating in throwaway (nonregenerated) mode. 
SPARRC User’s Manual

A-18 

Total Uranium Removal: 

Total Uranium Removal is the total quantity of uranium removed by the ion exchange process, 

in milligrams per day (mg/day), picocuries per day (pCi/day), kilograms per year (kg/yr), and 

curies per year (Ci/year): 

[Total Uranium Removal (mg/day)] = [Raw Water Uranium Concentration (mg/L)] * ( [Uranium Removal (%)] / 100) * 

[Treated Water Flow (mgd)] * 106 (gallons/million gallons) * 3.78 (L/gal) 

[Total Uranium Removal (kg/year)] = [Total Uranium Removal (mg/day)] * 365 (days/year) / 106(mg/kg) 

The concentrations are converted to picocuries using the mass to activity ratio: [Mass to 

Activity Ratio (μg/pCi)]. This output is not shown when operating in throwaway (nonregenerated) mode. 

POTW Concentration: 

POTW Concentrations are the radionuclide concentrations ultimately received by a 

community’s publicly owned treatment works (POTW), after treatment residuals are combined 

with inflows from community use: 

[POTW Radium Concentration (pCi/L)] = ( [Total Waste Radium Concentration (pCi/L)] * [Total Waste Volume (brine + 

slow rinse + fast rinse + backwash + backwash outside regeneration cycle) (gal/day)] + [Finished Water Radium 

Concentration (pCi/L)] * [POTW User Flow (gal/day)] ) / [POTW Total Flow (gal/day)] 

[POTW Uranium Concentration (μg/L)] = ( [Total Waste Uranium Concentration (μg/L)] * [Total Waste Volume (brine + 

slow rinse + fast rinse + backwash + backwash outside regeneration cycle) (gal/day)] + [Finished Water Uranium 

Concentration (μg/L)] * [POTW User Flow (gal/day)] ) / [POTW Total Flow (gal/day)] 

[POTW Uranium Concentration (pCi/L)] = [POTW Uranium Concentration (μg/L)] / [Mass to Activity Ratio (μg/pCi)] 

[POTW TDS Concentration (mg/L)] = ( [Total Waste TDS Concentration (mg/L)] * [Total Waste Volume (brine + slow 

rinse + fast rinse + backwash + backwash outside regeneration cycle) (gal/day)] + [Finished Water TDS Concentration 

(mg/L)] * [POTW User Flow (gal/day)] ) / [POTW Total Flow (gal/day)] 

Where: 

[POTW User Flow (gal/day)] = ([Finished Water Flow (mgd)] * 106 (gallons/million gallons) - [Total Waste Volume (brine + 

slow rinse + fast rinse + backwash + backwash outside regeneration cycle) (gal/day)]* ( 1 – [Water Loss (%)] / 100 ) 

[POTW Total Flow (gal/day)] = [POTW User Flow (gal/day)] + [Total Waste Volume (brine + slow rinse + fast rinse + 

backwash + backwash outside regeneration cycle) (gal/day)] 

[Finished Water TDS Concentration (mg/L)] = [Influent Water TDS Concentration (mg/L)] 

Note that these outputs are not shown when operating in throwaway (non-regenerated) mode 

and radium concentration is not shown when using SBA resin for uranium removal. 
SPARRC User’s Manual

A-19 

A.5 Reverse Osmosis 

A.5.1 Reverse Osmosis Technology Overview 

Reverse osmosis (RO) technology employs a semi-permeable membrane that allows water 

molecules to pass through it, leaving behind impurities. Reverse osmosis is a membrane filtration 

technology that has been traditionally used for desalination of brackish waters. The membrane is 

so tight that even ions of metals cannot pass through, including radioactive metal ions such as 

radium and uranium. The removal of these contaminants is not 100% as some ions pass through 

the membrane, depending on membrane type and quality, water quality, and operational 

parameters. 

A.5.2 Reverse Osmosis Inputs 

Average Influent Flow and Bypass Flow: 

See Section A.1. 

Raw Water Uranium Concentration: 

Raw Water Uranium Concentration is entered in micrograms per liter (μg/L) and represents 

the uranium concentration in the influent water. SPARRC accepts uranium concentrations 

from .01 to 1,000 μg/L. 

Raw Water TDS Concentration: 

Raw Water Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) Concentration is entered in milligrams per liter 

(mg/L) and represents the TDS concentration in the influent water. SPARRC accepts TDS 

concentrations of 0.01 to 10000 mg/L. 

Mass to Activity Ratio: 

Mass to Activity Ratio is the mass of uranium exhibiting a radioactivity of one picocurie. It is 

entered in units of micrograms per picocurie (μg/pCi). SPARRC accepts mass to activity ratios 

of 0.1 to 5 μg/pCi. A typical value is 1 μg/pCi. 

Raw Water Radium Concentration: 

Raw Water Radium Concentration is entered in picocuries per liter (pCi/L) and represents the 

radium concentration in the influent water. SPARRC accepts radium concentrations from .01 

to 500 pCi/L. 

TDS Removal: 

TDS Removal is the percentage (%) of total dissolved solids in the influent treated water that 

are removed by the reverse osmosis treatment process. SPARRC accepts TDS removals of 1 to 

100%. 
SPARRC User’s Manual

A-20 

Radium Removal: 

Radium Removal is the percentage (%) of radium in the influent treated water that is removed 

by the reverse osmosis treatment process. SPARRC accepts radium removals of 1 to 100%. 

Uranium Removal: 

Uranium Removal is the percentage (%) of uranium in the influent treated water that is 

removed by the reverse osmosis treatment process. SPARRC accepts uranium removals of 1 to 

100%. 

Membrane Flow Recovery Percent: 

Membrane flow recovery percent is the percentage (%) of flow entering the membrane that is 

recovered and becomes treated water. This percent is used to determine the flow of treated 

water. SPARRC accepts recovery efficiencies ranging from 40 to 90% 

Water Loss: 

Water Loss is entered as a percentage (%) and represents the portion of finished water that is 

“lost” during distribution to and use by the community. This loss is not ultimately treated by 

the community’s publicly owned treatment works (POTW). SPARRC uses this value to 

calculate the radionuclide and TDS concentration ultimately received by the POTW, after 

treatment residuals are combined with inflows from community use. 

A.5.3 Reverse Osmosis Outputs 

Influent Average Flow, Influent Treated Flow, Influent Bypass Flow: 

See Section A.1. 

Final Production Treated Water Flow: 

Final Production Treated Water Flow is the portion of influent treated flow recovered by the 

membrane in mgd, calculated as: 

[Final Production Treated Water Flow (mgd)] =[Influent Treated Flow (mgd)] * [Membrane Flow Recovery Percent (%)] 

Final Production Finished Water Flow: 

Final Production Finished Water Flow is the combination of final production treated water 

flow and bypass water, calculated as: 

[Final Production Finished Water Flow (mgd)] = [Final Production Treated Water Flow (mgd)] + [Bypass Flow (mgd)] 

Membrane Flow Recovery Percent: 

Membrane flow recovery percent is the percentage (%) of flow entering the membrane that is 

recovered and becomes treated water. It is identical to the value entered by the user as input. 

Uranium Removal: 

Uranium Removal is the percentage of uranium removed for the final production treated and 
SPARRC User’s Manual

A-21 

finished water. For treated water, it is identical to the value entered by the user as input. For 

finished water, it is calculated as: 

[Finished Water Uranium Removal (%)] = ([Raw Water Uranium Concentration (μg/L)] - Finished Flow Uranium 

Concentration (μg/L)] ) / [Raw Water Uranium Concentration (μg/L)] * 100

Uranium Concentration: 

Uranium Concentration is the concentration of uranium, micrograms per liter (μg/L), in the 

final production treated and finished water: 

[Treated Water Uranium Concentration (μg/L)] = [Raw Water Uranium Concentration (μg/L)] * ( 1 – [Uranium Removal

(%)] ) 

[Finished Water Uranium Concentration (μg/L)] = ( [Bypass Flow (mgd)] * [Raw Water Uranium Concentration (μg/L)] + 

( [Final Production Treated Water Flow (mgd)] x [Treated Water Uranium Concentration (μg/L)] ) / ( [Final Production 

Finished Water Flow (mgd)] ) 

The concentrations are converted to picocuries/liter using the mass to activity ratio: 

[Concentration (pCi/L)] = [Concentration (μg/L)] / [Mass to Activity Ratio (μg/pCi)] 

Radium Removal: 

Radium Removal is the percentage of radium removed for the final production treated and 

finished water. For treated water, it is identical to the value entered by the user as input. For 

finished water, it is calculated as: 

[Finished Water Radium Removal (%)] = ( [Raw Water Radium Concentration (pCi/L)] - Finished Water Radium 

Concentration (pCi/L)] ) / [Raw Water Radium Concentration (pCi/L)] * 100

Radium Concentration: 

Radium Concentration is the concentration of radium, in picocuries per liter (pCi/L), in the 

final production treated and finished water: 

[Treated Water Radium Concentration (pCi/L)] = [Raw Water Radium Concentration (pCi/L)] * ( 1 – [Radium Removal

(%)] ) 

[Finished Water Radium Concentration (pCi/L)] = ( [Bypass Flow (mgd)] * [Raw Water Radium Concentration (pCi/L)] + ( 

[Final Production Treated Water Flow (mgd)] x [Treated Water Radium Concentration (pCi/L)] ) / ( [Final Production 

Finished Water Flow (mgd)] ) 

TDS Removal: 

TDS Removal is the percentage of TDS removed for the final production treated and finished 

water. For treated water, it is identical to the value entered by the user as input. For finished 

water, it is calculated as: 

[Finished Water TDS Removal (%)] = ([Raw Water TDS Concentration (mg/L)] - Finished Water TDS Concentration

(mg/L)] ) / [Raw Water TDS Concentration (mg/L)] * 100

TDS Concentration: 

Treated Flow TDS Concentration is the concentration of TDS, in milligrams per liter (mg/L), 

in the final production treated and finished water:

[Treated Water TDS Concentration (mg/L)] = [Raw Water TDS Concentration (mg/L)] * ( 1 – [TDS Removal (%)] ) 

[Finished Water TDS Concentration (mg/L)] = ( [Bypass Flow (mgd)] * [Raw Water TDS Concentration (mg/L)] + ( [Final 
SPARRC User’s Manual

A-22 

Production Treated Water Flow (mgd)] x [Treated Flow TDS Concentration (mg/L)] ) / ( [Final Production Finished 

Water Flow (mgd)] ) 

Waste Volume 

Waste Volume is the total amount of liquid residuals (flow reject) from the reverse osmosis 

process in mgd, calculated as: 

[Waste Volume (mgd)] = [Influent Treated Flow (mgd)] – [Final Production Treated Water Flow (mgd)] 

Total Waste Uranium Concentration: 

Total Waste Uranium Concentration is the concentration of uranium in the residual waste, in 

micrograms per liter (μg/L) and picocuries per liter (pCi/L) 

[Total Waste Uranium Concentration (μg/L)] =( [Influent Treated Flow (mgd)] * [Raw Water Uranium Concentration

(μg/L) – [Final Production Treated Water Flow (mgd)] * [Treated Water Uranium Concentration (μg/L)] ) / [Waste Volume

(mgd)] 

The concentration is converted to picocuries using the mass to activity ratio: [Mass to Activity 

Ratio (μg/pCi)]

Total Uranium Removal: 

Total Uranium Removal is the total quantity of uranium removed by the reverse osmosis 

process, in grams per day (g/day), picocuries per day (pCi/day), kilograms per year (kg/yr), 

and curies per year (Ci/year): 

[Total Uranium Removal (g/day)] =( [Influent Treated Flow (mgd)] * [Raw Water Uranium Concentration (μg/L) – [Final 

Production Treated Water Flow (mgd)] * [Treated Water Uranium Concentration (μg/L)] ) * 106 (gallons/million gallons) * 

3.78 (L/gal) / 106

 (g/μg) 

[Total Uranium Removal (kg/year)] = [Total Uranium Removal (g/day)] * 365 (days/year) / 1000 (g/kg) 

The removals are converted to picocuries using the mass to activity ratio: [Mass to Activity 

Ratio (μg/pCi)]

Total Waste Radium Concentration: 

Total Waste Radium Concentration is the concentration of radium in the residual waste, in 

picocuries per liter (pCi/L): 

[Total Waste Radium Concentration (pCi/L)] =( [Influent Treated Flow (mgd)] * [Raw Water Radium Concentration

(pCi/L) – [Final Production Treated Water Flow (mgd)] * [Treated Water Radium Concentration (pCi/L)] ) / [Waste 

Volume (mgd)] 

Total Radium Removal: 

Total Radium Removal is the total quantity of radium removed by the reverse osmosis process 

in picocuries per day (pCi/day) and curies per year (Ci/year): 

[Total Radium Removal (pCi/day)] =([ Influent Treated Flow (mgd)] * [Raw Water Radium Concentration (pCi/L) – [Final 

Production Treated Water Flow (mgd)] * [Treated Water Radium Concentration (pCi/L)] ) * 106 (gallons/million gallons) * 

3.78 (L/gal) 

[Total Radium Removal (Ci/year)] = [Total Radium Removal (pCi/day)] * 365 (days/year) / 1012 (pCi/Ci) 
SPARRC User’s Manual

A-23 

Total Waste TDS Concentration: 

Total Waste TDS Concentration is the concentration of TDS in the residual waste, in 

micrograms per liter (mg/L): 

[Total Waste TDS Concentration (μg/L)] =( [Influent Treated Flow (mgd)] * [Raw Water TDS Concentration (mg/L) – 

[Final Production Treated Water Flow (mgd)] * [Treated Flow TDS Concentration (mg/L)] ) / [Waste Volume (mgd)] 

Total TDS Removal: 

Total TDS Removal is the total quantity of TDS removed by the reverse osmosis process, in 

metric tons per day (metric tons/day) and metric tons per year (metric tons/yr): 

[Total TDS Removal (metric tons/day)] =( [Influent Treated Flow (mgd)] * [Raw Water TDS Concentration (mg/L) – [Final 

Production Treated Water Flow (mgd)] * [Treated Water TDS Concentration (mg/L)]) * 106 (gallons/million gallons) * 3.78 

(L/gal) / 109 (mg/metric ton) 

[Total TDS Removal (metric tons/year)] = [Total TDS Removal (metric tons/day)] * 365 (days/year) 

POTW Concentration: 

POTW Concentrations are the radionuclide concentrations ultimately received by a 

community’s publicly owned treatment works (POTW), after treatment residuals are combined 

with inflows from community use: 

[POTW Uranium Concentration (μg/L)] = ( [Total Waste Uranium Concentration ((μg/L)] * [Waste Volume (mgd)] + 

[Finished Water Uranium Concentration (μg/L)] * [POTW User Flow (mgd/day)] ) / [POTW Total Flow (mgd/day)] 

[POTW Uranium Concentration (pCi/L)] = [POTW Uranium Concentration (μg/L)] / [Mass to Activity Ratio (μg/pCi)] 

[POTW Radium Concentration (pCi/L)] = ( [Total Waste Radium Concentration (pCi/L)] * [Waste Volume (mgd)] + 

[Finished Water Radium Concentration (pCi/L)] * [POTW User Flow (mgd/day)] ) / [POTW Total Flow (mgd/day)] 

[POTW TDS Concentration (mg/L)] = ( [Total Waste TDS Concentration (mg/L)] * [Waste Volume (mgd)] + [Finished 

Water TDS Concentration (mg/L)] * [POTW User Flow (mgd/day)] ) / [POTW Total Flow (mgd/day)] 

Where: 

[POTW User Flow (mgd)] = [Final Production Finished Water Flow (mgd)] * ( 1 – [Water Loss (%)] / 100 ) 

[POTW Total Flow (mgd)] = [POTW User Flow (mgd)] + [Waste Volume (mgd)] 
SPARRC User’s Manual

A-24 

A.6 Activated Alumina 

A.6.1 Activated Alumina Technology Overview 

Activated alumina is a technology that can remove uranium at pH levels below 8.2. In activated 

alumina treatment, water passes through a bed of media that adsorbs contaminants. An activated 

alumina bed can remove uranium and treat a water volume of less than two thousand bed 

volumes. SPARRC assumes that activated alumina is used on a throw-away basis. That is, once 

the capacity of the media to adsorb uranium is considered “exhausted,” the media is disposed. 

Operationally, activated alumina requires periodic backwash when operating in throwaway 

mode, but this backwash is likely to have minimal effect on the radionuclide concentrations on 

the media. Therefore, SPARRC does not perform calculations relating to backwash for activated 

alumina. 

A.6.2 Activated Alumina Inputs 

Design Flow, Average Flow, and Bypass Flow: 

See Section A.1. 

Uranium Concentration: 

Uranium Concentration is entered in micrograms per liter (μg/L) and represents the uranium 

concentration in the influent water. SPARRC accepts uranium concentrations from 1 to 1,000 

μg/L. 

Mass to Activity Ratio: 

Mass to Activity Ratio is the mass of uranium exhibiting a radioactivity of one picocurie. It is 

entered in units of micrograms per picocurie (μg/pCi). SPARRC accepts mass to activity ratios 

of 0.1 to 5 μg/pCi. A typical value is 1 μg/pCi. 

Uranium Removal: 

Uranium Removal is the percentage (%) of uranium in the influent water that is removed by 

the activated alumina treatment process. SPARRC accepts uranium removals of 1 to 99%. A 

typical value is 95% assuming an influent uranium concentration of 30 μg/L. 

EBCT: 

EBCT, or Empty Bed Contact Time, is defined as the time required, in minutes, for water to 

pass through the volume equivalent of the media bed. SPARRC accepts EBCTs of 2 to 15 

minutes. A typical value is 5 minutes. 

Number of Bed Volumes: 

Number of Bed Volumes represents the capacity of the activated alumina media to adsorb 

uranium. Once a volume of water equal to this many volumes of the media bed passes through 

the treatment process, the media is considered exhausted and must be replaced. SPARRC 

accepts inputs for this value from 100 to 100,000 bed volumes. A typical value, assuming an 

influent uranium concentration of 30 μg/L, uranium removal of 95%, EBCT of 5 minutes, and

water pH below 8.2, is 1,600 bed volumes. 
SPARRC User’s Manual

A-25 

Media Density: 

Media Density is the bulk density of the activated alumina media in pounds per cubic foot 

(lb/ft3). SPARRC accepts media densities from 1 to 100 lb/ft3. A typical value is 47 lb/ft3. 

A.6.3 Activated Alumina Output 

Treated Flow and Finished Flow: See Section A.1.

Media Volume: 

The Media Volume is the volume in cubic feet (ft3) of the activated alumina bed: 

 [Media Volume (ft3)] = [Design Flow (mgd)] * [EBCT (minutes)] * 106 (gallons/million gallons) / ( 1440 (minutes/day) * 7.48

(gallons/ ft3) ) 

Water Treated Until Breakthrough: 

Water Treated Until Breakthrough is the quantity of water treated, in million gallons, up until 

the point the media is considered exhausted (i.e., the point at which the number of bed 

volumes entered by the user is exceeded): 

[Water Treated (ft3)] = [Number of Bed Volumes] * [Media Volume (ft3)] 

[Water Treated (million gallons)] = ( [Number of Bed Volumes] * [Media Volume (ft3

)] * 7.48 (gallons/ft3) ) / 106

(gallons/million gallons) 

Number of Days Media in Use: 

Number of Days Media in Use is the number of days up until the point the media is considered 

exhausted (i.e., the point at which the number of bed volumes entered by the user is exceeded): 

[Days Media in Use (days)] = ( [Water Treated (million gallons)] ) / ( [Average Flow (mgd)] – [Bypass Flow (mgd)] ) 

Media Mass: 

Media Mass is the mass, in kilograms (kg), of the activated alumina media in the bed: 

[Media Mass (kg)] = [Media Volume (ft3)] * [Media Density (lbs/ft3)] * 0.453 (kg/lb) 

Treated Flow Uranium Concentration: 

Treated Flow Uranium Concentration is the concentration of uranium in the treated water (see 

Exhibit A-1): 

[Treated Flow Uranium Concentration (μg/L)] = [Uranium Concentration (μg/L)] * ( 1 – [Uranium Removal (%)] ) 

The concentration is converted to picocuries/liter using the mass to activity ratio: 

[Concentration (pCi/L)] = [Concentration (μg/L)] / [Mass to Activity Ratio (μg/pCi)] 

Bypass Flow Uranium Concentration: 

The Bypass Flow Uranium Concentration is the same as the raw water uranium concentration 

in μg/L. The concentration is converted to picocuries/liter using the mass to activity ratio: 
SPARRC User’s Manual

A-26 

[Concentration (pCi/L)] = [Concentration (μg/L)] / [Mass to Activity Ratio (μg/pCi)]

Finished Flow Uranium Concentration: 

Finished Flow Uranium Concentration is the concentration of uranium in the finished water 

(i.e., treated water combined with bypass flow, see Exhibit A-1): 

[Finished Flow Uranium Concentration (μg/L)] = ( [Bypass Flow (mgd)] * [Uranium Concentration (μg/L)] + ( [Treated 

Flow (mgd)] x [Treated Flow Uranium Concentration (μg/L)] ) / ( [Average Flow (mgd)] ) 

The concentration is converted to picocuries/liter using the mass to activity ratio: 

[Concentration (pCi/L)] = [Concentration (μg/L)] / [Mass to Activity Ratio (μg/pCi)] 

Uranium Mass on Media: 

Uranium Mass on Media is the total mass of uranium in micrograms that accumulates on the 

activated alumina media during each operational cycle (i.e., between media changeouts): 

[Uranium Mass on Media (μg)] = [Water Treated (ft3)] * 28.32 (L/ft3) * ( [Uranium Concentration (μg/L)] – [Treated Flow 

Uranium Concentration (μg/L)] ) 

The mass is converted to picocuries using the mass to activity ratio: 

[Mass (pCi)] = [Mass (μg)] / [Mass to Activity Ratio (μg/pCi)] 

Uranium Removed per Unit of Media: 

Uranium Removed per Unit of Media is the mass of uranium on each mass of media (i.e., the 

concentration per unit mass) in grams per kilogram (g/kg) and picocuries per gram (pCi/g): 

[Uranium Removed per Unit of Media (g/kg)] = [Uranium Mass on Media (μg)] / 106 (μg/g) / [Media Mass (kg)] 

[Uranium Removed per Unit of Media (pCi/g)] = [Uranium Mass on Media (pCi)] / [Media Mass (kg)]* / 1000 (g/kg) 

Media Changeouts per Year: 

Media Changeouts per Year is the number of times per year that the media reaches exhaustion 

and must be replaced: 

[Media Changeouts per Year (times/year)] = 365 (days/year) / [Days Media in Use (days)] 

Annual Media Disposal: 

Annual Media Disposal is the quantity of media, in tons, that must be disposed each year: 

[Annual Media Disposal (tons/year)] = [Media Volume (ft3)] * [Media Density (lbs/ft3)] * [Media Changeouts per Year

(times/year)] / 2,000 (lbs/ton) 

Annual Uranium Removed: 

Annual Uranium Removed is the total mass of uranium removed from the influent water 

during the course of a year, in kilograms per year (kg/year) and curies per year (Ci/year): 

[Annual Uranium Removed (kg/year)] = [Media Mass (kg)] * [Media Changeouts per Year (times/year)] * [Uranium 

Removed per Unit of Media (g/kg)] 

[Annual Uranium Removed (Ci/year)] = [Media Mass (kg)] * [Media Changeouts per Year (times/year)] * [Uranium 

Removed per Unit of Media (pCi/kg)] / 1012 (pCi/Ci) 
SPARRC User’s Manual

A-27 

A.7 Green Sand Filtration 

A.7.1 Green Sand Filtration Technology Overview 

Green Sand Filtration is similar to conventional filtration except for the fact that it can be 

configured as a pressure filter, like Activated Alumina. Green Sand is a zeolite filtration material 

that contains glauconite, a green clay-like material that is iron-rich and exhibits ion-exchange 

properties. The process can be operated as a rapid sand filter and includes a continuous 

regeneration step. Green Sand regeneration occurs continuously by adding potassium 

permanganate (KMnO4). 

Greensand filtration has been designated an applicable technology for the Radium MCL by the 

U.S. EPA. Radium in influent water adsorbs to the manganese dioxide (hydrous) present in the 

filter; no oxidation occurs. SPARRC assumes that periodic backwashes then remove the 

adsorbed radium. 

A.7.2 Green Sand Filtration Inputs 

Design Flow, Average Flow, and Bypass Flow: 

See Section A.1. 

Raw Water Radium Concentration: 

Raw Water Radium Concentration is entered in picocuries per liter (pCi/L) and represents the 

radium concentration in the influent water. SPARRC accepts radium concentrations from 0.01 

to 500 pCi/L. 

Raw Water TSS Concentration: 

Raw Water Total Suspended Solids (TSS) Concentration is entered in milligrams per liter 

(mg/L) and represents the TSS concentration in the influent water. SPARRC accepts TSS 

concentrations of 1 to 1,500 mg/L. 

Raw Water Iron Concentration: 

Raw Water Iron Concentration is entered in milligrams per liter (mg/L) and represents the iron 

concentration in the influent water. SPARRC accepts iron concentrations of 0.01 to 5 mg/L. 

Raw Water Manganese Concentration: 

Raw Water Manganese Concentration is entered in milligrams per liter (mg/L) and represents 

the manganese concentration in the influent water. SPARRC accepts manganese 

concentrations of 0.01 to 10 mg/L. 

Raw Water Hydrogen Sulfide Concentration: 

Raw Water Hydrogen Sulfide Concentration is entered in milligrams per liter (mg/L) and 

represents the hydrogen sulfide concentration in the influent water. SPARRC accepts 
SPARRC User’s Manual

A-28 

hydrogen sulfide concentrations of 0 to 5 mg/L. 

Raw Water pH: 

Raw Water pH is the pH of the influent water. SPARRC accepts a range from 5 to 10. Raw 

water pH, along with chlorine pre-oxidation dose, controls radium removal as discussed in 

Section A.7.3. 

TSS Treated Water: 

Total Suspended Solids (TSS) Treated water is entered in milligrams per liter (mg/L) and 

represents the TSS concentration in the treated water after Green Sand Filtration is applied. 

SPARRC accepts treated water TSS concentrations of 1 to 150 mg/L. 

Chlorine Pre-Ox Dose: 

Chlorine Pre-Ox Dose is entered in milligrams per liter (mg/L) and represents the chlorine 

concentration in the influent water resulting from any chlorine addition that occurs before 

Green Sand Filtration. Pre-treatment chlorine addition affects radium removal as discussed in 

Section A.7.3. SPARRC accepts chlorine pre-oxidation doses of 0 to 5 mg/L. 

Filtration Rate: 

Filtration Rate represents the rate, in gallons per minute, at which influent water is passed 

through the filter bed during treatment per unit of surface area of the bed, in square feet 

(gpm/ft2

). SPARRC accepts filtration rates of 1 to 16 gpm/ft

2

. 

Filter Capacity: 

Filter Capacity measures the capacity of the green sand bed to remove contaminants, measured 

in grains per unit of surface area of the bed, in square feet (grains/ft2

). Note that 1 grain is 

equivalent to 64.8 milligrams and 7,000 grains are equivalent to 1 pound. 

Backwash Rate: 

Backwash Rate represents the rate, in gallons per minute, at which backwash water is passed 

through the filter bed per unit of surface area of the bed, in square feet (gpm/ft2

). SPARRC 

accepts backwash rates of 10 to 20 gpm/ft2. 

Backwash Time: 

Backwash Time is the time, in minutes, over which backwash occurs. SPARRC accepts 

backwash times of 1 to 100 minutes. Backwashing usually lasts 3 to 15 minutes 

(AWWA/ASCE 1998). 

Backwash Holding or Septic Tank: 

This is a yes or no input allowing the user to specify whether a holding tank is used to store 

spent backwash. The purpose of a holding tank can be to equalize residuals flow rates over 

time and/or to allow time for solids to settle from the spent backwash. If a holding tank is 

specified and the user determines that some fraction of solids settles during holding (see 

Fraction TSS Removed, below), SPARRC will calculate the quantity of residual solids 
SPARRC User’s Manual

A-29 

generated, in addition to spent backwash liquids. 

This input can also be used to simulate the impact of septic system disposal of spent backwash. 

Users wishing to see septic system residuals quantities and concentrations should select yes for 

this input and appropriate values for the next three inputs, as discussed below. 

Coagulant Dose: 

Coagulant Dose is the concentration of coagulant, in milligrams per liter (mg/L), added to the 

holding tank to promote the settling of solids. Coagulant addition may be required to achieve a 

high fraction of TSS removed (see below). For holding without coagulant addition, users can 

enter 0 mg/L for coagulant dose. The user should also enter 0 mg/L when simulating septic 

system disposal, as coagulant is not usually added to septic systems. 

Fraction TSS Removed: 

Fraction TSS Removed is the portion of TSS that is removed from the spent backwash during 

holding. Users should verify that the fractional removal is consistent with the coagulant dosage 

specified (i.e., a higher dose coagulant addition should increase removal). SPARRC allows 

TSS removal fractions from 0.01 to 1. If no solid settling occurs during holding, users should 

select "no" for the backwash holding tank input. If simulating septic system disposal, the user 

should enter a removal fraction consistent with the solids removal expected to occur in the 

septic tank. 

Cleanout Frequency: 

Cleanout Frequency is the frequency with which settled solids are removed from the holding 

tank, measured in months between cleanout events. SPARRC accepts cleanout frequencies of 

0.5 to 60 months. If simulating septic system disposal, the user should enter a relatively long 

period between cleanouts (e.g., 6 months to several years), consistent with expected septic tank 

cleaning frequencies. 

Water Loss: 

Water Loss is entered as a percentage (%) and represents the portion of finished water that is 

“lost” during distribution to and use by the community. This loss is not ultimately treated by 

the community’s publicly owned treatment works (POTW). SPARRC uses this value to 

calculate the radionuclide concentration ultimately received by the POTW, after treatment 

residuals are combined with inflows from community use. 

A.7.3 Green Sand Filtration Outputs 

Permanganate Demand: 

Permanganate Demand represents the concentration of permanganate, in milligrams per liter 

(mg/L), added continuously to the treatment system to regenerate the Green Sand media. 

SPARRC estimates the permanganate demand based on raw water iron, manganese, and 

hydrogen sulfide concentrations, adjusting for chlorine pre-oxidation dose: 

If [Chlorine Pre-Ox Dose (mg/L)] <= [Raw Water Iron Concentration (mg/L)], then [Permanganate Demand (mg/L)] = 0.2 * 
SPARRC User’s Manual

A-30 

[Chlorine Pre-Ox Dose (mg/L)] + 1 * ( [Raw Water Iron Concentration (mg/L) - [Chlorine Pre-Ox Dose (mg/L)] ) + 2 * [Raw 

Water Manganese Concentration (mg/L)] + 6 * [Raw Water Hydrogen Sulfide Concentration (mg/L)] 

If [Chlorine Pre-Ox Dose (mg/L)] > [Raw Water Iron Concentration (mg/L)], then [Permanganate Demand (mg/L)] = 0.2 * 

[Raw Water Iron Concentration (mg/L)] + 2 * [Raw Water Manganese Concentration (mg/L)] + 6 * [Raw Water Hydrogen 

Sulfide Concentration (mg/L)] 

Filter Area: 

Filter Area is the surface area of the Green Sand filter bed, in square feet (ft2): 

[Filter Area (ft2)] = [Design Flow (mgd) * 106 (gallons/million gallons) / ( [Filtration Rate (gpm/ft2) * 24 (hours/day) * 60

(minutes/hour) ) 

Run Length Between Backwashes: 

Run Length Between Backwashes is the number of hours between backwash events: 

[Run Length (hours)] = [Filter Loading (gal/ft2)] / [Filtration Rate (gpm/ ft2)] / 60 (minutes/hour) 

Where: 

[Filter Loading (gal/ft2)] = [Filter Capacity (grains/ft2) / [Permanganate Demand (mg/L)] * 3.78 (L/gal) / 64.798 (grains/mg) 

Treated Water Flow and Finished Water Flow: 

See Section A.1. 

Radium Removal: 

Radium Removal is the percentage (%) of radium in the influent water that is removed by the 

Green Sand Filter. SPARRC estimates radium removal based on raw water pH, using data 

from Pedersen (2001), adjusted for chlorine pre-oxidation dose, based in data from Peterson 

(1999): 

If [Raw Water pH] >= 5 and [Raw Water pH] <= 6.3, then [Radium Removal (%)] = ( 4.61 * [Raw Water pH] + 62.9 ) * 

[Removal Adjustment] 

If [Raw Water pH] > 6.3 and [Raw Water pH] <= 10.3, then [Radium Removal (%)] = ( 1.46 * [Raw Water pH] + 82.6 ) * 

[Removal Adjustment] 

Where: 

[Removal Adjustment] = 0.9653 * Exp( -0.5954 * [Chlorine Pre-Ox Dose (mg/L)] ) 

TSS Removal: 

TSS Removal is the percentage (%) of suspended solids in the influent water that is removed 

by the Green Sand Filter: 

[TSS Removal (%)]t = ( [Raw Water TSS Concentration (mg/L)] – [TSS Treated Water (mg/L)] ) * 100 / [Raw Water TSS 

Concentration (mg/L)] 

Radium Concentration: 

Radium Concentration is the concentration of radium in picocuries per liter (pCi/L) in the 

treated and finished water after treatment: 

[Treated Water Radium Concentration (pCi/L)] = [Raw Water Radium Concentration (pCi/L)] * ( 100 – [Radium Removal

(%)] ) / 100 
SPARRC User’s Manual

A-31 

[Finished Water Radium Concentration (pCi/L)] = ( [Treated Water Flow (mgd)] * [Treated Water Radium Concentration

(pCi/L)] + [Bypass Flow (mgd)] * [Raw Water Radium Concentration (pCi/L)] ) / [Finished Water Flow (mgd)] 

TSS Concentration: 

TSS Concentration is the concentration of suspended solids in milligrams per liter (mg/L) in 

the treated and finished water after treatment. For treated water, this value is identical to the 

value of TSS Treated Water selected by the user. For finished water: 

[Finished Water TSS Concentration (mg/L)] = ( [Treated Water Flow (mgd)] * [TSS Treated Water (mg/L)] + [Bypass Flow

(mgd)] * [Raw Water TSS Concentration (mg/L)] ) / [Finished Water Flow (mgd)] 

Backwash Volume: 

Backwash Volume is the volume of spent backwash produced during each backwash event, in 

million gallons per backwash event (Mgal/backwash):

[Backwash Volume (Mgal/backwash)] = ( [Backwash Rate (gpm/ft2)] * [Filter Area (ft2)] * [Backwash Time (minutes)] ) / 106

(gallons/Mgal) 

Backwash Solids: 

Backwash Solids is the quantity of solids contained in the spent backwash, in pounds per 

backwash event (lbs/backwash). This value includes suspended solids, iron, manganese, and 

hydrogen sulfide removed from the influent water: 

[Backwash Solids (lbs/backwash)] = [Treated Water Flow (mgd)] * 106 (gallons/million gallons) * ( [Raw Water TSS 

Concentration (mg/L) – [Treated Water TSS Concentration (mg/L)] + [Other Solids (mg/L)] ) * 3.78 (L/gallon) / ( [Run 

Length (hours)] / 24 (hours/day) ) / 453,000 (mg/lb) 

Where: 

[Other Solids (mg/L)] = [Raw Water Iron Concentration (mg/L)] + [Raw Water Manganese Concentration (mg/L)] + [Raw 

Water Hydrogen Sulfide Concentration (mg/L)] 

Note that increasing the iron, manganese, or hydrogen sulfide concentration will decrease the 

run length (i.e., backwash interval), therefore decreasing the total amount of solids per 

backwash. 

Backwash Radium Concentration: 

Backwash Radium Concentration is the concentration, in picocuries per liter of liquids (pCi/L) 

and picocuries per gram of solids (pCi/g dry basis), of radium in the spent backwash before 

settling (if any). SPARRC assumes finished water, with a small concentration of radium, is 

used for backwash: 

[Backwash Radium Concentration (pCi/L)] = [Radium Removed (pCi/day)] * [Run Length (hours)] / ( 24 (hours/day) * 

[Backwash Volume (Mgal/backwash)] * 106 (gal/Mgal) * 3.78 (L/gal) ) + Finished Water Radium Concentration (pCi/L) 

[Backwash Radium Concentration (pCi/g dry basis)] = [Radium Removed (pCi/day)] * [Run Length (hours)] / ( 24

(hours/day) * [Backwash Solids (lbs/backwash)] * 453.6 (g/lb) ) 

Where: 

[Radium Removed (pCi/day)] = [Treated Water Flow (mgd)] * ( [Raw Water Radium Concentration (pCi/L)] - [Treated Water 

Radium Concentration (pCi/L)] ) * 106 (gallons/Mgal) * 3.78 (L/gal) 
SPARRC User’s Manual

A-32 

Daily Residual Volume: 

Daily Residual Volume is the quantity of spent backwash produced in mgd: 

[Daily Residual Volume (mgd)] = [Backwash Volume (Mgal/backwash)] * 24 (hours/day) / [Run Length (hours)] 

Liquid Residual Radium Concentration: 

Liquid Residual Radium Concentration is the concentration, in picocuries per liter of liquids 

(pCi/L), of radium in the spent backwash after accounting for settling (if any): 

[Liquid Residual Radium Concentration (pCi/L)] = [Radium Removed (pCi/day)] * [Run Length (hours)] * ( 1 – [Fraction 

TSS Removed] )/ ( 24 (hours/day) * [Backwash Volume (Mgal/backwash)] * 106

 (gal/Mgal) * 3.78 (L/gal) )+ Finished Water 

Radium Concentration (pCi/L) 

Where: 

[Radium Removed (pCi/day)] = [Treated Water Flow (mgd)] * ( [Raw Water Radium Concentration (pCi/L)] - [Treated Water 

Radium Concentration (pCi/L)] ) * 106 (gallons/Mgal) * 3.78 (L/gal) 

Liquid Residual Radium Removed: 

Liquid Residual Radium Removed is the total quantity of radium contained in the the spent 

backwash after accounting for settling (if any), in picocuries per day (pCi/day) and curies per 

year (Ci/year): 

[Liquid Residual Radium Removed (pCi/day)] = [Daily Residual Volume (mgd)] * [Liquid Residual Radium 

Concentration (pCi/L)] * 106(gal/Mgal) * 3.78 (L/gal) 

[Liquid Residual Radium Removed (Ci/year)] = [Liquid Residual Radium Removed (pCi/day)] * 365 (days/year) / 1012

(pCi/Ci) 

POTW Concentration: 

POTW Concentration is the radium concentrations ultimately received by a community’s 

publicly owned treatment works (POTW), after liquid treatment residuals are combined with 

inflows from community use. SPARRC assumes that finished water is used for backwashing, 

therefore the user flow amount subtracts the daily residual volume from the finished flow: 

[POTW Radium Concentration (pCi/L)] = ([Daily Residual Volume (mgd)] * [Liquid Residual Radium Concentration 

(pCi/L)] + [Finished Water Radium Concentration (pCi/L)] * [POTW User Flow (mgd)] ) / [POTW Total Flow (mgd)] 

[POTW User Flow (mgd)] = ([Finished Water Flow (mgd) - [Daily Residual Volume (mgd)]) * ( 1 – [Water Loss (%)] / 100 ) 

[POTW Total Flow (gal/day)] = [POTW User Flow (gal/day)] + [Daily Residual Volume (mgd)] 

Settled Solids Per Backwash: 

Settled Solids Per Backwash is the quantity of solids (if any) that settle in the backwash 

holding tank, accounting for solids introduced by coagulant addition (if any), in pounds per 

backwash event (lbs/backwash): 

[Settled Solids Per Backwash (lbs/backwash)] = [Backwash Solids (lbs/backwash)] * [Fraction TSS Removed] + ( 

[Coagulant Dose (mg/L)] * [Backwash Volume (Mgal/backwash)] * 106

(gal/Mgal) * 3.78 (L/gal) / 453,600 (mg/lb) ) 
SPARRC User’s Manual

A-33 

Daily Solids Residuals: 

Daily Solids Residuals is the quantity of solids (if any) that settle in the backwash holding 

tank, accounting for solids introduced by coagulant addition (if any), in pounds per day 

(lbs/day): 

[Daily Solids Residuals (lbs/day)] = [Settled Solids Per Backwash (lbs/backwash)] * 24 (hours/day) / [Run Length (hours)] 

Solid Residual Radium Concentration: 

Solid Residual Radium Concentration is the concentration, in picocuries per gram of solids 

(pCi/g dry basis), of radium in the settled solids:

[Solid Residual Radium Concentration (pCi/g dry basis)] = [Radium Removed (pCi/day)] * [Fraction TSS Removed] / ( 

[Daily Solids Residuals (lbs/day)] * 453.6 (g/lb) ) 

Where: 

[Radium Removed (pCi/day)] = [Treated Water Flow (mgd)] * ( [Raw Water Radium Concentration (pCi/L)] - [Treated Water 

Radium Concentration (pCi/L)] ) * 106 (gallons/Mgal) * 3.78 (L/gal) 

Solid Residual Radium Removed: 

Solid Residual Radium Removed is the total quantity of radium contained in the settled solids, 

in picocuries per day (pCi/day) and curies per year (Ci/year): 

[Solid Residual Radium Removed (pCi/day)] = [Daily Solids Residuals (lbs/day)] * [Solid Residual Radium 

Concentration (pCi/g dry basis)] * 453.6 (g/lb) 

[Solid Residual Radium Removed (Ci/year)] = [Solid Residual Radium Removed (pCi/day)] * 365 (days/year) / 1012

(pCi/Ci) 
SPARRC User’s Manual

A-34 

A.8 References 

AWWA. 1990. Water Quality and Treatment. 4th Edition. American Water Works Association. 

AWWA/ASCE. 1998. Water Treatment Plant Design. Third Edition, McGraw Hill Publishers. 

Clifford, D.A. 1999. “Ion Exchange and Inorganic Adsorption.” Water Quality and Treatment. 

Chapter 9. New York: American Water Works Association-McGraw Hill. 

Langmuir, D. 1974. “Uranium solution-mineral equilibria a low temperatures with applications 

to sedimentary ore deposits.” Geochimica et Cosmochimica 42:547-569. 

Pedersen, E.J. II. 2001. “Greensand Filtration Removes Radium.” Water Technology. August: 

51-55. 

Peterson, K. R. 1999. “Radionuclides Removal with Optimized Iron/Manganese Filtration.” 

Radium Removal in Drinking Water. Brooklyn Center, Minnesota. October 20. 

U.S. EPA. 1977. Manual of Treatment Techniques for Meeting the Interim Primary Drinking 

Water Regulation. EPA 600/8-77-005. 
SPARRC User’s Manual

Appendix B 

Description of Default Unit Cost Values in SPARRC
SPARRC User’s Manual

B-1 

B.1 Introduction 

SPARRC contains default unit cost values for various disposal fees and transportation costs. 

These unit values are based primarily on sources of national average costs. They reflect 

incremental annual costs to transport (if necessary) and discharge wastes contaminated by 

radionuclides. This appendix provides background information for the unit costs provided in the 

default cost scenario, including source information and any conversions applied prior to their use 

in SPARRC. Exhibit B-1 shows the residual streams with cost calculations in SPARRC. Section 

B.2 describes the unit costs for liquid residuals and Section B.3 describes the unit costs for solid 

residuals. 

Exhibit B-1. Residual Streams by Treatment Technology 

Treatment Technology Liquid Residuals Solid Residuals

Green sand filtration Backwash Settled Solids

Activated alumina None (throwaway – no regeneration) Spent media

Ion exchange Regenerant (if applicable) Spent resin (if not regenerated)

Reverse osmosis Concentrate and cleaning None1

1. Costs for membrane element disposal is not included because SPARRC does not estimate the number of 

elements in use. 

The Annual Cost tab for each technology shows a range of potential disposal costs for different 

waste classifications: nonhazardous, hazardous, TENORM, low level radioactive waste (LLRW), 

and mixed waste. The classification for a particular utility’s waste depends on the type and 

quantity of contaminants it contains as well as disposal standards that may vary by location for 

waste that does not fall under the jurisdiction of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). 

SPARRC does not ascertain which discharge options are applicable based on waste 

characteristics beyond distinguishing between liquid and solid waste disposal options, and 

providing a warning message when the uranium concentration of a waste stream exceeds the 

threshold of 0.05% by weight (approximately 335 pCi/g) and no longer meets the “unimportant 

quantity” exemption established by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (10 CFR 40.13). 

Therefore, users of SPARRC cannot assume that when cost estimates are shown for each 

disposal option, that those options are available to them. State and local requirements, as well as 

proximity to commercial disposal sites, will affect the available disposal options for a particular 

system’s residuals. EPA prepared a guidance document to help treatment plant operators 

understand different waste classifications: A Regulators’ Guide to the Management of 

Radioactive Residuals from Drinking Water Treatment Technologies (U.S. EPA, 2005). This 

guide contains decision trees to assist with determining waste classification. Nevertheless, 

treatment plant operators will need to consult with local and State sources to identify site-specific 

disposal options and costs. 

B.2 Liquid Waste Disposal Options 

Liquid discharge options for radionuclide-contaminated residuals include direct discharge to 

surface waters, discharge to a publicly owned treatment works (POTW), and injection in an 

underground well. For Green Sand Filtration, the options also include septic system disposal. 

Costs for liquid discharges include upfront fixed costs such as National Pollutant Discharge 
SPARRC User’s Manual

B-2 

Elimination System (NPDES) permit fees, and recurring costs such as POTW fees or fees for 

commercial underground injection. Potential sources of fee estimates include commercial 

disposal entities, Environmental Remediation Cost Data (ECHOS, 2006), and a recent survey of 

waste facility disposal costs developed Argonne (2006). 

B.2.1 Direct discharge 

Liquid wastes that meet applicable standards for direct discharge may be discharged to receiving 

waters in the proximity of the treatment plant. The incremental discharge costs of direct disposal 

(compared to alternative disposal options) involve obtaining a permit issued under the National 

Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). Permit application fees vary by state, and can 

vary with the volume of discharge flow. SPARRC contains average permit application costs 

based on permit fees for several states as well as costs for a system to prepare application 

materials. The costs are $2,000 for discharge flows less than 0.1 mgd, $3,000 for discharge flows 

of 0.1 mgd to 1.0 mgd, and $5,000 for higher flows. These permits must be renewed every five 

years. Therefore, the permit cost can be annualized over five years to obtain a true annual cost 

equivalent to compare with other annual discharge costs. 

B.2.2 Discharge to POTW 

If liquid wastes meet requirements for discharge to a Publicly Owned Treatment Works 

(POTW), then the incremental discharge costs can include a one-time connection fee and annual 

base and volumetric charges, which may vary with discharge quantity and quality. Fee structures 

vary widely across POTWs. EPA used average costs from a survey of 44 cities as the default 

values in SPARRC. These costs include a base annual fee of $631.08 and volumetric charges of 

$1.80 per thousand gallons (kgal). Any POTW fee structure that can be reduced to an annual 

base fee and recurring volumetric costs can be used to estimate site-specific costs. 

B.2.3 Underground injection 

Costs for underground injection of liquid wastes will vary across on-site and off-site disposal 

options. SPARRC does not contain default values for this disposal option because there are no 

sources for national average costs and disposal is not limited to a few well-defined sites. 

If a well is constructed on-site, annual costs will reflect annualized construction costs as well as 

any annual costs for conveyance and injection. Construction costs will vary with site conditions 

and the type of well allowed by the underground injection controls (UIC) in the SDWA. If 

residuals are not classified as hazardous or radioactive waste, then a Class V well may be an 

option. If residuals are, however, classified as hazardous and/or radioactive waste, then a Class I 

well is required. EPA Guidance (U.S. EPA 2005) provides an overview of waste definitions as 

they apply to underground injection of liquid residuals. 

When residuals are shipped to an off-site commercial facility, disposal costs include 

transportation and disposal facility fees. ANL (2006) provides survey results for underground 

injection of liquids and solid residuals of the oil and gas industry. These include costs for Class II

and Class I wells. Costs for nonhazardous liquid wastes such as produced water are generally 

less than $1.00 per barrel, although some facilities charged $3 to $7 per barrel. The average cost 

across disposal facilities is $25/kgal. Disposal costs at a facility that accepts NORM-
SPARRC User’s Manual

B-3 

contaminated waste, however, are $150 to $300 per barrel. ANL (2006) only reports hourly costs 

ranging from $65 to $95 for transportation to commercial facilities. 

B.2.4 Septic System Disposal 

Septic system disposal assumes liquid wastes are discharged through a septic tank into a leach 

field. Solids contained in these liquids accumulate in the septic tank and require periodic 

cleanout and disposal using one of the solid waste disposal options discussed in Section B.3. 

Costs for septic systems are primarily associated with construction of the septic system. That is, 

they are capital costs, which SPARRC does not calculate. Therefore, SPARRC assumes the 

operating cost of liquid disposal through a septic system is zero. The operating cost of disposing 

of septic tank solids will depend on the solid waste disposal option chosen. 

For Green Sand Filtration, users can simulate the septic system disposal option by following the 

guidance in Appendix A. This will cause SPARRC to calculate appropriate quantities and 

concentrations for settled solids in the septic tank, allowing users to view the costs associated 

with each solid waste disposal option for these solids. For other technologies, SPARRC assumes 

low levels of settleable solids in the liquid residuals. Therefore, the quantities of septic tank 

solids generated would be minimal and cleanout would be infrequent. Because of this, SPARRC 

does not show septic system disposal costs for these other technologies. 

B.3 Solid Waste Disposal Options 

Solid waste disposal options for selected SPARRC technologies apply to spent media, settled 

solids, and spent membranes. Disposal facilities require that residuals be able to meet a paint 

filter test to be considered solid waste. 

B.3.1 Contracted Uranium Extraction 

WDT is obtaining a license from the NRC to provide a unique service to water treatment 

facilities that use ion exchange systems to treat for uranium in source water. WDT would install 

and maintain ownership of the ion exchange process, and provide disposal services for the 

exhausted ion exchange media, which would include sending the media to a uranium mill for 

extraction. The anticipated cost for resin disposal service is $0.30/kgal (Source: Personal 

communication, WDT owner with M. Herr, SAIC, November 2006). 

B.3.2 Non-Hazardous Waste Disposal Facilities 

Facilities that accept non-hazardous solid wastes may or may not accept TENORMcontaminated wastes. ECHOS (2006) reports an average disposal costs for non-hazardous 

landfill of $74.81 per ton (based on 1 ton per cubic yard), and a cost of $4.16 per cubic yard for 

transportation (including labor costs for loading and unloading debris) over a 10-mile distance. 

ECHOS (2006) also reports average landfill disposal costs for TENORM or radioactive wastes. 

Transportation costs are $3.15 per mile (assuming a transportation distance of 100-250 miles) 

and $278.33 per cubic yard for disposal (or $10.31 per cubic foot). The transportation cost 

applies to each disposal trip during the year. The model associates a disposal trip with each 

media changeout for anion exchange or activated alumina or each cleanout for green sand, 

regardless of waste volume. 
SPARRC User’s Manual

B-4 

B.3.3 Hazardous Waste Disposal Facilities 

Facilities that accept hazardous solid wastes may or may not accept TENORM-contaminated 

wastes. ECHOS (2006) reports an average disposal costs for hazardous landfill of $176.06 per 

ton (based on 1 ton per cubic yard), and a cost of $1.75 per 20 cubic yards per mile for bulk 

transportation. The transportation cost applies to each disposal trip during the year. The model 

associates a disposal trip with each media changeout for anion exchange or activated alumina or 

each cleanout for green sand, regardless of waste volume. 

B.3.4 LLRW Facilities 

There are three facilities that accept low-level radioactive waste (LLRW): Hanford (Richland, 

WA), Barnwell (Barnwell, SC), and Envirocare (Clive, UT). Exhibit B-2 provides a summary of 

the types of wastes accepted by these facilities. 

Exhibit B-2. LLRW Disposal Facilities

Facility Waste Types1 Waste Sources

Barnwell LLRW Class A, B, C Atlantic Compact States only after 

2008 (CT, NJ, SC) 

Hanford LLRW Class A, B, C Northwest (AK, OR, HI, ID, MT, UT, 

WY, WA) and Rocky Mountain (CO, 

NM, NV) Compact States 

Envirocare LLRW Class A

Some Mixed Waste 

All but Northwest Compact States

1. LLRW Classes based on 10 CFR 61.55.

Disposal fee structures differ across these facilities. The SPARRC model contains default costs 

based on Envirocare’s fee structure because it receives the largest volume of LLRW – 76% in 

1998 according to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC, 2006) – and it receives 

wastes from the largest number of states. Exhibit B-3 provides a summary of transportation and 

disposal costs. The transportation cost applies to each disposal trip during the year. The model 

associates a disposal trip with each media changeout for anion exchange or activated alumina or 

each cleanout for green sand, regardless of waste volume. 

Exhibit B-3. LLRW Disposal Fees for Envirocare

Waste Type Cost

Non-hazardous disposal, dry $128/cubic foot

Hazardous disposal, dry $343/cubic foot

Transportation $2.10/mile (full load)

Annual State fee $1,500

Source: Personal communication, Envirocare representative with M. Herr, SAIC, October 2006.

1. LLRW Classes based on 10 CFR 61.55. 
SPARRC User’s Manual

B-5 

B.4 References 

Argonne National Laboratory (ANL). 2006. Offsite Commercial Disposal of Oil and Gas 

Exploration and Production Wastes: Availability, Options, and Costs. ANL/EVS/R-06/5. Oak 

Ridge, TN: Department of Energy, Office of Scientific and Technical Information. 

Environmental Cost Handling and Solutions (ECHOS). 2006. Environmental Remediation Cost 

Data – Unit Price 2006. Castle Rock, CO: Azimuth Group, LTD. 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA). 2005. A Regulators’ Guide to the 

Management of Radioactive Residuals from Drinking Water Treatment Technologies. EPA 816-

R-05-004. Washington, D.C.: U.S. EPA Office of Water. Available online at 

http://www.epa.gov/safewater/radionuclides/compliancehelp.html.

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). 2006. Policy Issue Memorandum: Actions Related 

To Regulation Of Maximum Contamination Levels For Uranium In Drinking Water. Available 

online at http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/commission/secys/2006/secy2006-

0049/2006-0049scy.pdf. Accessed 12/27/06. 

---------. 2006. Low-Level Waste Disposal Statistics. Available online at 

http://www.nrc.gov/waste/llw-disposal/statistics.html.
SPARRC User’s Manual

Appendix C 

Comparison of SPARRC Results with Case Study Data
SPARRC User’s Manual

C-1 

C.1 Introduction 

To evaluate how well SPARRC estimates radionuclide concentrations in residuals, EPA entered 

case study inputs into SPARRC for five case studies in AWWARF (2005). These case studies 

involved three SPARRC technologies: anion exchange, cation exchange, and reverse osmosis. 

The following sections provide results for each technology comparison. 

C.2 Anion Exchange 

C.2.1 Arrowbear Lake, California 

This site has an anion exchange system for uranium removal that treats an average of 285,000 

gallons per day, which EPA converted to 0.29 mgd for the SPARRC input. Two wells provide 

the raw water for treatment. The approximate concentration of uranium in the mixture of raw 

water from the two wells is 100 pCi/L. AWWARF (2005) reports a uranium concentration for 

the spent brine that was sampled following treatment of approximately 37,500 bed volumes 

(BV). The regeneration process (backwash + brine + slow rinse) produces approximately 1,900 

gallons of water. 

Exhibit C-1 provides a summary of the SPARRC inputs EPA used in its comparison study. 

Exhibit C-2 shows the SPARRC outputs for uranium as well as the case study outputs reported in 

AWWARF (2005) and Sorg et al. (1991, as reported in AWWARF, 2005). SPARRC calculated 

values for uranium concentration in residuals that are within the range reported in Sorg et al. 

(1991). The SPARRC values are, however, approximately 24 times higher than the values 

reported in AWWARF (2005). This difference may be due to uncertainty regarding the actual 

uranium concentration in the influent water. The original influent uranium value is reported as an 

“approximate concentration.” There was no reported verification, however, that the influent 

uranium concentrations were similar to this value during the period prior to the regeneration 

tested in AWWARF (2005). AWWARF (2005) includes a caveat, quoted from Sorg et al. 

(1991), regarding the limitations of analytical data for uranium due to the high dilutions required. 

In addition, there are several uncertainties regarding the design of this system, as noted in 

Exhibit C-1 (e.g., the inputs with justification codes H and I), that may affect SPARRC’s 

estimates of uranium concentration in residuals. 
SPARRC User’s Manual

C-2 

C-1. SPARRC Input Parameter Values for the Arrowbear Lake Case Study

Input Site Data SPARRC Input Value Justification

Radium conc. (pCi/L) NR 60.0 (B)

Uranium conc. (μg/L) 100 pCi/L 67 (C)

Mass to Activity Ratio (μg/pCi) 1.49 * 1.49 (A)

TSS conc. (mg/L) NR 1 (B)

Hardness (mg/L) NR 275 (B)

pH 7.55 7.55 (A)

Design Flow (mgd) NR 0.29 (H)

Average Flow (mgd) 0.285 0.29 (D)

Bypass Flow (mgd) NR 0 (E)

Resin Type SBA SBA (A)

Regenerated Yes Yes (A)

EBCT (min) 2.5 2.5 (I)

Bed Depth NR 3 (B)

Bed Volumes to Regeneration 37,500 37,500 (A)

Backwash (Bed Volumes)

1,900 gal 

1

Brine (Bed Volumes) 2.78 (F) 

Slow Rinse (Bed Volumes) 0

Fast Rinse (Bed Volumes) 600 gal 0 (J)

NaCl weight (% brine solution) NR 10% (B)

Backwash Outside Regeneration Cycle NR No (G)

Water Loss (%) NR 10% (B)

NR = Not Reported, * = Calculated from information reported in the source

Justification Codes: 

(A) Set equal to site data. 

(B) Results for comparison do not vary with this input, so SPARRC default value was used. 

(C) Site value was reported to average 100 pCi/L. SPARRC input chosen assuming a mass to activity ratio of 

1.49, calculated from data provided in the source. 

(D) Set as close as possible to site data, given precision of SPARRC input. 

(E) Set to zero to avoid complicating presentation of results. 

(F) Source reported that regeneration (backwash + brine + slow rinse) produces approximately 1,900 gallons of 

water. SPARRC inputs chosen to produce the same quantity. 

(G) Set to no to avoid complicating presentation of results. 

(H) The source did not indicate design flow. SPARRC input set equal to average flow. 

(I) AWWARF used a 2.5 minute EBCT in comparing this site to a previous version of SPARRC. It is not clear if this 

is the EBCT provided at design flow or average flow and the description of the site does not indicate the size of the 

resin beds. 

(J) Although the source reported that fast rinse produced 600 gallons of fast rinse, SPARRC input set to zero to 

produce a concentration output for comparison to site data (concentration in backwash + brine + slow rinse). 
SPARRC User’s Manual

C-3 

C-2. Comparison of Site Data and SPARRC Estimates for Radionuclide 

Residuals 

Output Site Data SPARRC Output Value

Uranium Concentration in 

Regeneration Waste (backwash + 

brine + slow rinse) (μg/L) 

27,000 (AWWARF 2005)

657,440 203,000 to 899,000 (Sorg et al., 1991) 

Uranium Concentration in 

Regeneration Waste (backwash + 

brine + slow rinse) (pCi/L) 

18,090 (AWWARF 2005)

441,235 136,000 to 602,000 (Sorg et al., 1991) 

C.3 Cation Exchange 

C.3.1 New Jersey Utility 

This site has a cation exchange system for radium removal with a design capacity of 1.1 mgd and 

an average treated flow of 0.5 mgd. The system has an empty bed contact time (EBCT) of 3.74 

minutes at this average flow. The units are regenerated every 5 to 7 days, usually within a day or 

two of hardness breakthrough. The waste volume during regeneration is approximately 15,600 

gallons. Average Ra-226 and Ra-228 levels in the source water are 2.6 and 5.5 pCi/L, 

respectively. 

Exhibit C-3 provides a summary of the SPARRC inputs EPA used in its comparison study. 

Exhibit C-4 shows the SPARRC outputs for radium as well as the case study outputs reported in 

AWWARF (2005). The SPARRC estimate is within 3% of the value reported in AWWARF 

(2005) given the average operating conditions shown in Exhibit C-3. 
SPARRC User’s Manual

C-4 

C-3. SPARRC Input Parameter Values for the New Jersey Utility Case Study

Input Site Data SPARRC Input Value Justification

Radium conc. (pCi/L) 8.1 8.1 (A)

Uranium conc. (μg/L) NR 60 (B)

Mass to Activity Ratio (μg/pCi) NR 1 (B)

TSS conc. (mg/L) NR 1 (B)

Hardness (mg/L) 39.7 39.7 (A)

pH NR 7 (B)

Design Flow (mgd) 1.1 1.1 (A)

Average Flow (mgd) 0.5 0.5 (A)

Bypass Flow (mgd) NR 0 (C)

Resin Type SAC SAC (A)

Regenerated Yes Yes (A)

EBCT (min) 3.74 at average 

flow 1.7 (D)

Bed Depth NR 3 (B)

Bed Volumes to Regeneration 5 to 7 days 2301 (E)

Radium Removal (%) 93% * 93% (A)

Hardness Removal (%) NR 99.8% (B)

Backwash (Bed Volumes) NR 5 (B)

Brine (Bed Volumes) 15,600 gal 12.01 (F) Slow Rinse (Bed Volumes) 0

Fast Rinse (Bed Volumes) NR 5 (A)

NaCl weight (% brine solution) NR 10% (B)

Backwash Outside Regeneration Cycle NR No (G)

Water Loss (%) NR 10% (B)

NR = Not Reported, * = Calculated from information reported in the source

Justification Codes: 

(A) Set equal to average from site data. 

(B) Results for comparison do not vary with this input, so SPARRC default value was used. 

(C) Set to zero to avoid complicating presentation of results. 

(D) Source reported that an EBCT of 3.74 minutes at average flow. This converts to a design EBCT of 1.7 

minutes. 

(E) Source reported regeneration every 5 to 7 days. This converts to 1,925 to 2,695 BV at average flow. SPARRC 

input chosen to represent an average of 6 days. 

(F) Source reported that regeneration (brine + slow rinse) produces approximately 15,600 gallons of water. 

SPARRC inputs chosen to produce the same quantity. 

(G) Set to no to avoid complicating presentation of results. 

C-4. Comparison of Site Data and SPARRC Estimates for Radionuclide 

Residuals

Output Site Data SPARRC Output Value

Radium Concentration in Regeneration 

Waste (pCi/L) 1,400 1,443 
SPARRC User’s Manual

C-5 

C.3.2 Robertson Utilities, North Carolina 

This site also has a cation exchange system for radium removal. The source water comes from a 

100 gallon per minute (gpm) well supply, but the system treats only 35 gpm. The raw water has 

65.7 pCi/L combined radium. Treated water radium is 14 pCi/L. Hardness is 100 mg/L and the 

radium removal unit is regenerated at 800 to 900 BV. The treatment process contains 14.0 cubic 

feet of resin and regeneration produces 6.7 BV of waste. 

Exhibit C-5 provides a summary of the SPARRC inputs EPA used in its comparison study. 

Exhibit C-6 shows the SPARRC outputs for radium as well as the case study outputs reported in 

AWWARF (2005). SPARRC output is within 6% of the value reported in AWWARF (2005). 

C-5. SPARRC Input Parameter Values for the Robertson Utilities Case Study

Input Site Data SPARRC Input Value Justification

Radium conc. (pCi/L) 65.7 65.7 (A)

Uranium conc. (μg/L) NR 60 (B)

Mass to Activity Ratio (μg/pCi) NR 1 (B)

TSS conc. (mg/L) NR 1 (B)

Hardness (mg/L) 100 100 (A)

pH NR 7 (B)

Design Flow (mgd) 0.144 * 0.14 (C)

Average Flow (mgd) 0.0504 * 0.05 (C)

Bypass Flow (mgd) NR 0 (D)

Resin Type SAC SAC (A)

Regenerated Yes Yes (A)

EBCT (min) 1.04 * 1.04 (E)

Bed Depth NR 3 (B)

Bed Volumes to Regeneration 800 to 900 850 (F)

Radium Removal (%) 79.3% * 79.3% (A)

Hardness Removal (%) NR 99.8% (B)

Backwash (Bed Volumes)

6.7 

1

(G) Brine (Bed Volumes) 5.7

Slow Rinse (Bed Volumes) 0

Fast Rinse (Bed Volumes) 0

NaCl weight (% brine solution) NR 10% (B)

Backwash Outside Regeneration Cycle NR No (H)

Water Loss (%) NR 10% (B)

NR = Not Reported, * = Calculated from information reported in the source

Justification Codes: 

(A) Set equal to average from site data. 

(B) Results for comparison do not vary with this input, so SPARRC default value was used. 

(C) Set as close as possible to site data, given precision of SPARRC input. 

(D) Set to zero to avoid complicating presentation of results. 

(E) 14 cubic feet of resin provides 1.04 minutes EBCT at design flow. 

(F) SPARRC input chosen to represent an average of the range reported. 

(G) Source reported that regeneration (backwash + brine + slow rinse + fast rinse) produces 6.7 bed volumes of 

waste. SPARRC inputs chosen to produce the same quantity. 

(H) Set to no to avoid complicating presentation of results. 
SPARRC User’s Manual

C-6 

C-6. Comparison of Site Data and SPARRC Estimates for Radionuclide 

Residuals

Output Site Data SPARRC Output Value

Radium Concentration in Total Waste (pCi/L) 6,378 6,785 

C.3.3 Baywood Forest, North Carolina 

This site is a 105 gpm combined cation and anion exchange system for radium and uranium 

removal (cation and anion resins in the same vessel). Because the data reported in AWWARF 

(2005) are for radium, SPARRC inputs were chosen as if simulating a cation exchange system 

for radium removal. Raw water combined radium is 5.3 pCi/L. Treated water radium is 0.3 

pCi/L. The system contains a total of 48 cubic feet of resin. The system is regenerated at 1,500 

BV and has an influent hardness of 50 mg/L. Regeneration (backwash + brine + slow rinse + fast 

rinse) produces 7.94 BV of waste. The value reported in AWWARF (2005) of 4.79 appears to be 

a typographical error, based on the volumes reported. 

Exhibit C-7 provides a summary of the SPARRC inputs EPA used in its comparison study. 

Exhibit C-8 shows the SPARRC outputs for radium as well as the case study outputs reported in 

AWWARF (2005). The SPARRC estimate for radionuclide concentration in the residuals is 37% 

higher than the value reported in the source. 
SPARRC User’s Manual

C-7 

C-7. SPARRC Input Parameter Values for the Baywood Forest Case Study

Input Site Data SPARRC Input Value Justification

Radium conc. (pCi/L) 5.3 5.3 (A)

Uranium conc. (μg/L) NR 60 (B)

Mass to Activity Ratio (μg/pCi) NR 1 (B)

TSS conc. (mg/L) NR 1 (B)

Hardness (mg/L) 50 50 (A)

pH NR 7 (B)

Design Flow (mgd) NR 0.15 (I)

Average Flow (mgd) 0.1512 * 0.15 (C)

Bypass Flow (mgd) NR 0 (D)

Resin Type SAC/SBA SAC (J)

Regenerated Yes Yes (A)

EBCT (min) 3.41 * 3.41 (E)

Bed Depth NR 3 (B)

Bed Volumes to Regeneration 1500 1500 (F)

Radium Removal (%) 94.3% * 94.3% (A)

Hardness Removal (%) NR 99.8% (B)

Backwash (Bed Volumes)

7.94 

1

(G) Brine (Bed Volumes) 6.94

Slow Rinse (Bed Volumes) 0

Fast Rinse (Bed Volumes) 0

NaCl weight (% brine solution) NR 10% (B)

Backwash Outside Regeneration Cycle NR No (H)

Water Loss (%) NR 10% (B)

NR = Not Reported, * = Calculated from information reported in the source

Justification Codes: 

(A) Set equal to average from site data. 

(B) Results for comparison do not vary with this input, so SPARRC default value was used. 

(C) Set as close as possible to site data, given precision of SPARRC input. 

(D) Set to zero to avoid complicating presentation of results. 

(E) 48 cubic feet of resin provides 3.41 minutes EBCT at 105 gpm. 

(F) SPARRC input chosen to represent an average of the range reported. 

(G) Source reported that regeneration (backwash + brine + slow rinse + fast rinse) produces 6.7 bed volumes of 

waste. SPARRC inputs chosen to produce the same quantity. 

(H) Set to no to avoid complicating presentation of results. 

(I) The source did not provide a clear indication of design flow. SPARRC input set equal to average flow. 

(J) Because the data reported in the source are for radium, SPARRC inputs were chosen as if simulating a cation 

exchange system for radium removal. 

C-8. Comparison of Site Data and SPARRC Estimates for Radionuclide 

Residuals

Output Site Data SPARRC Output Value

Radium Concentration in Total 

Waste (pCi/L) 690 943 
SPARRC User’s Manual

C-8 

C.4 Reverse Osmosis 

C.4.1 Toluca, Illinois 

This site has a 290 gpm reverse osmosis plant for the removal of radium. The water recovery rate 

is around 75%. The permeate shows approximately 87.6% removal of radium and 74.8% 

removal of TDS. 

Exhibit C-9 provides a summary of the SPARRC inputs EPA used in its comparison study. 

Exhibit C-10 shows the SPARRC outputs for radium as well as the case study outputs reported in 

AWWARF (2005). SPARRC estimates are approximately 31% lower for radon and 13% lower 

for TDS than the values reported in the source. It is possible that measurement error may affect 

the reported result and, therefore, account for some of the difference in the radium estimates. 

AWWARF (2005) notes the possibility of TDS interference in the combined radium sample. 

C-9. SPARRC Input Parameter Values

Input Site Data SPARRC Input Value Justification

Average Flow (mgd) 0.4176 * 0.42 (C)

Bypass Flow (mgd) NR 0 (D)

TDS conc. (mg/L) 1,748 1,748 (A)

Uranium conc. (μg/L) NR 30 (B)

Mass to Activity Ratio (μg/pCi) NR 1 (B)

Radium conc. (pCi/L) 12.1 12.1 (A)

TDS Removal Percent 74.8% * 74.8% (A)

Uranium Removal Percent NR 98% (B)

Radium Removal Percent 87.6% 87.6% (A)

Membrane Flow Recovery Percent 75% 75% (A)

Total Water Loss Percent NR 10% (B)

NR = Not Reported

* = Calculated from information reported in the source 

Justification Codes: 

(A) Set equal to average from site data. 

(B) Results for comparison do not vary with this input, so SPARRC default value was used. 

(C) Set as close as possible to site data, given precision of SPARRC input. 

(D) Set to zero to avoid complicating presentation of results. 

C-10. Comparison of Site Data and SPARRC Estimates for Radionuclide 

Residuals

Output Site Data SPARRC Output Value

Radium Concentration in Reject (pCi/L) 63 44 

TDS Concentration in Reject (mg/L) 6,533 5,671 
SPARRC User’s Manual

C-9 

C.5 References 

American Water Works Association Research Foundation (AWWARF). 2005. Management of 

the Disposal of Radioactive Residuals in Drinking Water Treatment. Denver, CO. 

Sorg, T.J., D.A.. Lytle, J. Egal, and Z. Zhang. 1991. Characterization of Wastes (Brine) From 

Uranium Removal Plant. Paper presented at the AWWA/Water Pollution Control Federation 

Conference on the Future of Residuals Management After 1991. Research Triangle Park, NC. 

August 11-14.