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Case Study for Customer Location CA116:
Reservoir or Lake Use:
The City maintains five (5) recycled water tanks at five (5) pressure zones for recycled water storage
and distribution. Four (4) of these are above-ground steel tanks, and the fifth is a partially-buried
concrete reservoir. Water used for recycling is secondary wastewater effluent produced at the City’s
Water Reclamation Plant. Recycled water is used primarily for irrigation at golf courses, cemeteries,
medians and parks, as well as in dual-plumbed toilet facilities.
System Overview and Reservoir:
The City has 5 recycled water storage tanks at widely varying elevations to serve over 70 recycled-
water customers. Recycle tank volumes range from 128,000 to 304,000 gallons.
Reported Problem Before Installation:
The City’s Water Reclamation Plant treats recycled water to meet secondary effluent standards, which
still has significant biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) leaving the plant. The storage tanks had a
history of long detention times that resulted in noxious odors. Long water age, together with thermal
stratification of the water column, promoted anoxic conditions and the build up of sludge (biosolids) at
the bottom of the tanks. SolarBee objectives were to thoroughly mix the tank water to prevent
stratification, distribute dissolved oxygen (DO) throughout the water column, and control odors.
Installation:
Dates: May 2006, one (1) SB1250PW-v12 was installed in one tank; December 2006, four (4)
additional SB1250PW-v12 units were installed in the remaining tanks. All of City’s recycled water
storage tanks are now equipped with SolarBees. Some units were the collapsible model capable of
going through a 24” diameter hatch size; others were the standard model that requires at least a 26” x
26” hatch.
Results:
The City’s recycled system is operating very well. In each tank a SolarBee circulates 100% of the
water volume once a day or less, and thermal stratification and odor complaints have been
eliminated. Periodic monitoring indicates increased DO concentrations and the aerobic digestion of
remaining BOD. Sludge production has greatly diminished, and the City has noted a decrease in the
amount of chlorination required. The SolarBee installation and service crew earned high marks from
the City for their diligence, professionalism and resourcefulness in the face of installation challenges.
The City has been very pleased with the SolarBees’ ability to keep tank water well mixed and prevent
odors.
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SolarBee
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SolarBee in the lake with the lakeside homes in the background.
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