What is AWT?

Advanced Wastewater Treatment (AWT) refers to processes that go beyond conventional secondary treatment to further purify wastewater, typically removing pollutants like nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) and suspended solids to a higher degree than standard methods. This leads to a higher quality effluent that can be safely discharged or even reused for various purposes.  

AWT aims to reduce the level of impurities in wastewater beyond what is achievable with basic biological or secondary treatment. This often involves removing nutrients (phosphorus and nitrogen) and a high percentage of suspended solids. AWT utilizes a range of technologies including:  

AWT benefits include: 

The Cost of AWT on Marco is $5,000,000 

On October 7, 2022, the City of Marco Island issued a Request for Information (RFI) related to the best value technology methods to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus in the Marco Island Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) reuse water. 

A response from a firm called Phosphorus Free Water Solutions (NuQuatics) estimated the cost to remove 99% of the nutrients, nitrogen and phosphorus, from the reuse water to be $5,000,000. This project adds a “polishing” or “finishing” step to the existing sewage treatment process that exceeds the AWT standards established by the state of Florida.   

No disruption to the existing sewage treatment process. The equipment is compact, fitting into two cargo containers and will easily fit into the space available. The cost may be as low as $2,000,000. 

This equipment will reduce the cost of chlorine, saving over $150,000 per year. Deep well injection of excess reuse water will no longer be required saving additional operating costs. This is a cost reduction project. A grant from FDEP might cover 50% or even 100% of the cost. A lease option is available as well, making this a very low risk proposition.