Manila Water installs Activated Filter Media in Balara Treatment Plant

Manila Water is now using these highly processed particles with enhanced filtration features, lessening the need for additional infrastructure. These are usually composed of recycled green and amber glass that aims to optimize the operations of its Balara Treatment Plant 2. Contributed photo

MANILA, Philippines — Manila Water aims to optimize its Balara Treatment Plant 2 (BTP 2) operations by reducing its chemical consumption by installing the Activated Filter Media (AFM).

Manila Water Operations Group Director Arnold Jether Mortera shared that using AFM requires less backwash water and can remove iron and manganese. 

“These two elements cause reddish brown and brownish-black stains that build up in pipelines and water tanks, restricting water flow and reduce water pressure. With the AFM installed, this reduces the chlorine requirement for oxidation of the said chemicals,” Mortera added.

From Manila Water

AFM is a highly processed product in the form of particles with enhanced filtration features, lessening the need for additional infrastructure. These are usually composed of recycled green and amber glass. The current filtration media used at BTP 2 are composed of silica sand. 

Mortera also disclosed that a preliminary test was conducted to assess the performance of the AFM.

“With the promising results, the Operations Team plans to scale up by applying AFM on all of BTP 2’s filter beds to improve the facility’s service,” Mortera said.

The process of installing four filter beds is ongoing after the installation was completed for one filter bed. As a result, BTP 2 has 20 filter beds in operation. Testing and process proving will follow shortly to measure the total efficiency of the innovation.

BTP 2 is Manila Water’s primary treatment facility that serves more than 60% of the East Zone.

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