What is the footprint and energy use of the Living Machine compared to other treatment systems?
In a recent article in Ecological Engineering (Issue 35, 2009, pages 184-192), the authors compare traditional (activated-sludge) wastewater treatment and three wetland technologies: aerated subsurface flow, tidal flow, and pulse-fed wetland treatment. The conclusions support our findings that a tidal flow wetland system, such as the Living Machine®, is the most efficient when comparing both energy use and footprint requirements.
How long has the Living Machine® system been available?
The Living Machine® system has significantly evolved over the last two decades, improving upon an original design by Dr. John Todd in the 1980s. For 10 years, Worrell Water Technologies has invested in extensive research and development to create an energy efficient system that performs reliably and economical to install. The new generation of Living Machines® is now a commercial reality. This patented and trademarked technology is offered only by Worrell Water Technologies. The Living Machine® system already has more than two dozen satisfied customers.
How could a Living Machine® help solve the woes of water-strapped states such as Texas, California and Florida?
By allowing water to be treated and reused multiple times, Living Machine® technology can dramatically reduce the amount of potable water required for certain applications. In fact, Living Machine® technology is capable of "sewer mining", that is taking water out of an existing sewer pipe and reclaiming it for irrigation, industrial processes, and other non-potable uses.
What is the return on investment for the Living Machine®? What is the average water cost savings for your customers?
There are several scenarios where customers save money by using the Living Machine.
One scenario is in rural or suburban locations that are not close to a sewer system. One customer in Guilford County, North Carolina, saved $4 million in sewer hook-up fees.
A second scenario is that the Living Machine® helps organizations avoid costly sewer discharge fees. For example, in Las Vegas, Nevada, sewer discharge fees are climbing.
A third scenario occurs in communities and states that are facing severe water restrictions and/or high water use charges. The Living Machine® would dramatically reduce water costs through recycling and re-use for high demand needs such as irrigation, laundry washing and cleaning.
The final scenario occurs on the state and regional level. Rather than transporting water long distances, communities and organizations can reclaim water locally and avoid water transport costs.
Every project is different and Worrell Water Technology Engineers help clients maximize the economic, environmental, and aesthetic benefits of Living Machine® systems.
Does the Living Machine® qualify for LEED certification?
Yes. The Living Machine® has been part of LEED certification efforts for several customers, including the new headquarters office facility for the Port of Portland in Oregon currently being built at the Portland Airport. The Living Machine® is part of their cutting-edge sustainable design for which they are seeking LEED Platinum certification.
What is the timeline to install a Living Machine®?
For just the Living Machine® system, implementation can range from as little as six months to one year, depending on the size and scope of the project; however, sometimes Living Machines® are part of larger construction projects that can extend the total delivery time.
What customers have chosen the Living Machine®?
A number of commercial, institutional, and government clients have used Living Machine systems including M&M Mars, The El Monte Sagrado Resort, Smuggler's Notch Resort, The Audubon Society, Oberlin College, The State of Vermont, and many others.
Is a Living Machine® system safe? Are there any odors associated with the process or the effluent?
The Living Machine® is designed with safety concerns in mind. Wastewater is always below the surface of the Living Machine® systems's wetland media (crushed aggregate) so there is no potential for accidental contact with partially treated effluent or a mosquito breeding habitat.
Second, the wastewater odors are eliminated by a careful design relying on simple odor removal mechanisms. A properly maintained Living Machine® system will have the pleasant smell of the plants used in the wetland, including flowers where flowering plants are chosen. Many of our systems have been built inside buildings with no distasteful odors.
What local, state, or federal regulations do you follow and why can't the water that's recycled be used as drinking water? Wouldn't that go further to solving water problems globally?
Living Machine® systems have been permitted in over a dozen states for wastewater treatment and reuse. Worrell Water Technologies has always been able to permit a system. But, at present, no onsite wastewater treatment systems have ever been permitted in the US for direct wastewater treatment to potable (drinking water) use.
Rainwater catchment and/or water efficiency practices are better suited for directly reducing potable water consumption. But, let's remember, that drinking water consumption is frequently a very small percent >10% of total water use. Therefore, the Living Machine does really make a huge impact on overall water usage.