Water Treatment & Wastewater Facilities

Why Backup Power Is Essential

Backup power for water treatment and wastewater facilities is essential for protecting the health of people and equipment.

The typical water treatment plant performs multiple tasks, such as collecting water from local sources, using chemicals to clean water, and filtering it to remove contaminants.
Even a brief interruption in power could interfere with these essential services. Without power for water pumps, people and businesses in the service area will lose access to a necessary resource. Without power for wastewater pumps, sewage could back up and increase health risks.

Potable water is the most important resource for humans. The average person can only go about three days without water before becoming seriously dehydrated and potentially dying. Backup power that supports water treatment facilities helps ensure everyone has access to clean water. Anything short of consistent access introduces serious problems for individuals, households, businesses, and governments.

Types of Backup Power Solutions

Before developing a plan to address your energy needs, you must know the types of backup power solutions suitable for water and wastewater treatment facilities.

If you have questions about the following backup power solutions, please reach out to Global Power for assistance. One of our team members can discuss how the option might fit your unique needs.

Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)

Uninterruptible power supply systems (UPS) replace lost power immediately, allowing your equipment to continue operating during grid disruptions.

Online UPS systems are the most effective option because they remain connected to your equipment. Electricity flows from the grid to your UPS and passes to your facility’s critical assets. The UPS system draws a small amount of that power to keep its battery charged. That way, the battery’s power can instantly replace electricity from a lost connection.

Other types of UPS systems include offline and line-interactive. Offline and line-interactive UPS designs can provide battery backup power for water and wastewater facilities, but they might take about 25 milliseconds to replace the lost grid connection. In some cases, this short-term interruption can be tolerated. However, it’s not an optimal strategy for critical assets.

Learn more: Factors to Consider When Selecting a UPS Backup System

Generators

UPS systems are essential for preventing disruptions in your water facility, but they can only store limited amounts of electricity. Consider investing in generators if you need enough wastewater treatment power to operate for days.

Generators take some time to start, so your UPS system will fill the gap easily while you prepare them.

When choosing generators, consider whether you want models that connect directly to natural gas lines or mobile models that require manual fueling. Connecting to a natural gas line helps ensure ongoing power for wastewater pumps and other equipment. It might also simplify your backup power plan because you know you can turn on your generators quickly to get the required amount of electricity.

Mobile backup generators that run on diesel fuel also have advantages, though. For instance, you can store them in a central location and move them to facilities that need backup power. You could also use them to generate electricity while building or upgrading new water treatment facilities.

Learn more: Choosing the Right Generator for Your Business: A Comprehensive Guide

Renewable Energy

Many renewable energy systems don’t use the grid to create water treatment power. Instead, you have a stand-alone system that powers critical equipment.

The option—or options—you choose will likely depend on your location and energy requirements. Solar panels work great in places with abundant sun but are less reliable in areas with frequent cloud coverage.

Similarly, you might want to incorporate wind power into your renewable energy strategy if your facility is located near a shore or a large, flat field. Wind almost certainly won’t suit a facility surrounded by buildings that would block the gusts needed to spin turbines. It’s important to recognize that water treatment power can be created using a combination of renewable energy sources, batteries, and fossil fuels.

Adding more components to a microgrid increases the reliability of water treatment power. On sunny days, your microgrid can rely on power from solar panels. When clouds roll in, your wind turbines can generate electricity. When renewable energy options don’t work, you can turn to natural gas generators and the energy stored in your BESS.

Renewable energy hasn’t completely replaced traditional sources, but it complements fossil fuels to improve reliability, decrease emissions, and increase self-sufficiency.

Learn more: Microgrids Offer Long-Term Power Resiliency

Water Treatment Power Case Study

Global Power works with utility providers to create custom power solutions that match their unique needs. Since Global Power has an extensive stock of backup power equipment, you can often get customized solutions much sooner than when using a different company. For example, the San Miguelito Mutual Water Company (SMWWC) needed to replace its backup power system, which had been installed decades ago. With a heavy storm season approaching, most companies said they could fulfill SMWWC’s request in about 50 weeks. Global Power delivered two MTU 200 kW diesel generators within three months.

Learn more: San Miguelito Case Study

Custom Backup Power for Water and Wastewater Facilities

People throughout North America rely on private and municipal facilities to process drinking water and wastewater. When those facilities lose power, entire cities can lose access to safe water. That’s why choosing effective backup power for water and wastewater facilities is critical.

Reliable backup power equipment will require a noteworthy investment, but Global Power can help you control those costs. Our inventory includes new and used critical power equipment. You can also save money by renting or leasing the equipment your facility needs.

If you decide to upgrade in the future, Global Power provides decommissioning services to disconnect your backup power system safely. Our buyback program can also help offset the cost of your new equipment.

Global Power works with numerous utility providers to ensure they can serve populations. Connect with a representative today to start a conversation about choosing a backup power system that works for your facility.

Get Started With a Free Quote

With our extensive inventory of power equipment, in-house expertise, and commitment to customer satisfaction, Global Power Supply is ready to serve as your partner in maintaining reliable facility power. Take the first step today by requesting a free quote. Our power professionals will review your facility’s needs and propose a solution that fits your specifications and budget. We’re ready to put our experience to work for you and deliver the peace of mind you need.

Contact us today at 1-800-706-0906 to discuss your facility power needs or request a quote online.