A groundbreaking for Acton's new 6,700 s/f water treatment facility took place April 28th at the site of the future Kennedy and Marshall Wells Water Treatment facility.  Representatives from the Acton Water District, Waterline Industries, general contractor for the facility, and Wright-Pierce, designers of the facility, attended.
"In New England towns where groundwater is the drinking water source, naturally occurring minerals can cause discolored water and staining of porcelain, dishes and laundry. Although no health-based standards were being violated, the Acton Water District was concerned about these aesthetic problems." said Wright-Pierce engineer and project manager Richard Protasowicki.
After conducting studies of alternative treatment technologies for the removal of naturally occurring manganese, iron and color from the groundwater sources, the Zenon 500-series membrane ultrafiltration process was selected as the best process for full scale implementa-tion.  "Membrane technology is an extremely efficient solution to our aesthetic issues. Having operated the ultrafiltration facility in Littleton, I've seen firsthand what a difference it can make." said Chris Allen, district manager.
At a cost of $5.8 million, facility construction is scheduled for completion in summer 2009.
Shown (from left) are: Richard Protasowicki; Chris Allen; Ralph Dumke, Waterline president; Alicia Gilmore McLaughlin, Waterline VP and Chuck Boudreau, Waterline superintendent.