In 2014, the City of Sanford, Florida, sought to modernize its water treatment process to address serious quality issues, including water discoloration, unpleasant odor, and regulatory compliance challenges. The local groundwater showed elevated levels of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), color, and hydrogen sulfide (H2S)—issues that the facility’s chlorine-based disinfection system couldn’t resolve efficiently.
To tackle these problems, Sanford’s Water Treatment Plant #2 (WTP#2) partnered with Pinnacle Ozone Solutions, implementing the advanced Zenith 30X™ ozone generator system. This turnkey solution dramatically improved water quality and operational performance while reducing energy consumption by 20%.
Background
Sanford’s 4.5 million gallons per day (MGD) water treatment facility had been facing long-standing issues:
- Discoloration and foul odor due to high levels of DOC and H₂S
- Inconsistent compliance with environmental regulations
- High operating costs from chemical-based treatment methods
These challenges prompted the city to evaluate more sustainable and advanced treatment options—leading them to Pinnacle’s ozone technology.
The Solution: Pinnacle’s Zenith 30X™ Ozone System
After evaluating various technologies, Sanford selected Pinnacle Ozone Solutions’ Zenith 30X™ system—a high-output, energy-efficient ozone generator built around the industry-leading QuadBlock® Generation II cells.
System Components:
- 520 lb/day Zenith 30X™ ozone generator
- QuadBlock® Technology: Delivers 20% energy savings vs. traditional corona discharge systems
- 7,000-gallon LOX (liquid oxygen) storage system: Ensures consistent ozone generation
- 30-ton chiller: Maintains optimal operating temperatures
- Three 890 GPM side-stream injection systems: Achieve effective ozone dissolution
- Ozone-On-Demand® controls: Adjust ozone output based on real-time water quality
- Off-gas destruct system: Ensures safe and compliant ozone destruction
This integrated, fully automated setup provides consistent performance while reducing manual oversight.
Results
Since commissioning in 2014, the upgraded facility has delivered measurable results:
- Enhanced Water Quality: The ozone + biologically activated carbon (BAC) system removed color, DOC, and H₂S, producing clear, odor-free, and safe drinking water.
- Energy Efficiency: The facility achieved a 20% reduction in energy consumption, aligning with the city’s sustainability goals.
- Regulatory Compliance: Sanford consistently meets stringent environmental standards, avoiding fines and public health risks.
- Operational Excellence: Automated ozone controls minimized manual intervention, allowing operators to focus on system oversight and long-term planning.
Conclusion
Sanford, FL’s investment in Pinnacle’s ozone treatment technology has delivered long-term value—improving water quality, lowering energy and chemical costs, and ensuring full compliance with regulatory standards.
This case highlights the effectiveness of ozone generators in municipal water treatment and serves as a model for other facilities facing similar challenges.
