Treating Wastewater With No Chemical Byproducts in Mexico

Lake Chapala is the largest natural freshwater lake in Mexico. It’s the main source of drinking water for Guadalajara and home to a wide array of fish and migratory birds. It has also evolved into a growing oasis for tourism and recreation. However, there were many stresses facing this dynamic water source. Its average annual evaporation (1,910 mm) greatly exceeds annual precipitation (781 mm in average) and the treatment and quality of wastewater being discharged into it had come under increased scrutiny. The State Water Commission of Jalisco (CEA Jalisco) is responsible for several municipal wastewater (activated sludge) treatment plants discharging into Lake Chapala. Prior to 2011, the majority of plants – including the one in San Juan Cosala – were disinfecting with chlorine gas. However, the growing concerns over toxic chemical residuals and disinfection by products negatively impacting the aquatic life prompted CEA Jalisco to select a UV-system which would produce no chemical byproducts. Read how the TrojanUV3000Plus® systems installed at their various wastewater treatment plants allowed them to continue meeting their disinfection targets without toxic chemical residuals.