Breaking Barriers Through Innovative Technologies Installed in Small Drinking Water Systems

Abstract Submission: Small systems struggle with limited technical, financial, and managerial resources to achieve clean, safe, and affordable drinking water. Moreover, rural communities in Puerto Rico often lack stable electricity and cellular communication connections, which is exacerbated during natural disasters like hurricanes María, Fiona, and Ernesto, making system operations even more challenging. In response to an unreliable and outdated electricity grid, there has been a proliferation in generators to augment power sources at small systems, which can be expensive to operate long term. These constraints, in addition to unique geographic considerations, often make conventional treatment systems not feasible. With advancements in renewables and technology, we identified and installed alternative treatment technologies and monitoring equipment to achieve real-time remote satellite data collection to assess drinking water quality and treatment efficacy at two small systems. Previously, solar powered turbidity bypass systems were installed to prevent clogging of roughing pre-filters during storm events. In 2024, a solar powered air scouring backwash systems was designed and installed to promote longevity of pre-filters. Community operators were engaged and trained to operate and maintain system upgrades. To mitigate burden of additional sampling, data loggers and water quality monitoring equipment were installed. Satellite telemetry enables all project participants access to data collected and stored on the cloud through National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Geospatial Satellite Server (GOES). Here we will present one year of collected data and lessons learned from successful installation of sustainable treatment technologies and telemetry equipment.

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