New water treatment upgrade opened in Hawaii
On Dec. 30., the Kailua Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant in Kailua, Hawaii opened its new $11 million UV system. Originally built in 1965, the plant has undergone many upgrades over the years. The new UV system aims to provide cleaner, safer shoreline water quality, stronger protection for coral reefs and marine life as well as an added chemical-free, energy-efficient disinfection process. The modernization allows for the plant to consume less energy.
The UV system was designed specifically for the plant in Hawaii. The local Department of Environmental Services (ENV) two months of testing and commissioning processes without failure before opening.
“The upgrade strengthens the protection of our shoreline in a way that is clean and efficient for Kailua’s long-term future,” said Roger Babcock, Director of Environmental Services, said. “Residents can rest assured knowing we are using the latest technology to care for our ocean.”
“As a coastal community, protection of Kailua Bay’s water quality is so important to us,” Honolulu City Councilmember Esther Kiaʻāina said. “I am excited about the completion of the UV system, which will help to mitigate the bacteria exceedance levels that we have been experiencing the past several years. I look forward to working with the City on longer term infrastructural improvements at the Kailua Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant.”
Photo credit: Department of Environmental Services, City and County of Honolulu
