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Utilities report: ZLD pilot shows large reduction; Stewart Street tank work to continue
Summary
Utilities staff reported a near 97–98% reduction in discharge from a zero‑liquid‑discharge pilot, progress on energy‑saving measures and AMI meter rollout, and noisy but time‑limited exterior work on the Stewart Street water tank expected to complete in February/March.
Cambria utilities staff told the board Jan. 8 they have made measurable progress on energy‑conservation and wastewater projects and that a zero‑liquid‑discharge (ZLD) pilot achieved roughly a 97–98% reduction in brine discharge.
Utilities Manager Mr. Green said the ZLD pilot’s preliminary results will be evaluated by Global Water Innovations and the funding source (NAUI) and that staff will receive a detailed evaluation with capital and operating cost scenarios. "We did receive 97–98% reduction," Mr. Green said, adding that the consultant will supply a full operations and cost analysis. Directors asked for capital and operating (OPEX) scenarios to understand lifetime costs before committing to large purchases.
On water operations, staff reported the AMI meter integration is now in first reading and that PG&E bills for wastewater have dropped as ECMs (energy conservation measures) are phased in. The Stewart Street tank exterior coating project requires extended work and temporary generators and dehumidifiers; Mr. Green apologized for noise during sandblasting and said crews are compressing the schedule to shorten overall impacts, with service return expected by early March.
Staff also reported leak‑detection satellite imagery has identified points of interest since June; two suspected customer‑side leaks account for an annualized potential savings estimate of about 29 million gallons. The board asked staff to present capital and OPEX estimates for ZLD before any major commitment; staff said they will bring those figures and a consultant evaluation to a targeted special meeting in February if available.
