The final solution to Abilene's drinking water dilemma was to blend the RO treated water from the Sand Springs Aquifer with a second source of wells in the River Alluvium. The alluvium wells did not have nitrate contamination. The blend produces a final product that is noncorrosive to the distribution system and which includes some hardness for flavor. The modular design of these facilities where additional capacity can easily be installed, in a very short time frame, as the demands become apparent. Contaminated water is subject to a high pressure that reverses the natural osmosis direction and forces pure water through the membrane.
Membranes are available with a variety of pore sizes and characteristics.
Advantages of RO Removes nearly all contaminant ions and most dissolved non-ions. RO operates immediately, without any minimum break-in period. Low effluent concentration possible. Bacteria and particles are also removed. Operational simplicity and automation allow for less operator attention and make RO suitable for small system applications.