The City of Oxnard’s Advanced Water Purification Facility (AWPF) employs one of the world’s most advanced purification processes to transform treated wastewater into safe and clean water, diverting it from its usual course towards the ocean after thorough treatment at the Oxnard Wastewater Treatment Facility.
Upon arrival at the AWPF, the water undergoes a series of three advanced treatment stages: microfiltration, reverse osmosis, and advanced oxidation with ultraviolet light and hydrogen peroxide.
Microfiltration (MF) involves a low-pressure membrane filtration method where water is pushed through a filter with pores 5,000 times smaller than a pinhole, effectively removing suspended particles, bacteria, and other contaminants. Widely employed across various industries including food processing, electronics manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals, MF ensures the water is primed for subsequent treatment.
Reverse Osmosis (RO) utilizes high-pressure membrane filtration to pass water through tightly wound layers of thin plastic sheets, effectively excluding minerals and other impurities. Renowned for its effectiveness in desalination, medical applications such as kidney dialysis, and in the beverage industry, RO ensures the removal of viruses, salts, and other undesirable substances, making it a preferred choice for many bottled water companies.
Advanced Oxidation with ultraviolet light and hydrogen peroxide (AOP) further enhances disinfection by utilizing UV, a high-intensity light resembling concentrated sunlight, to activate hydrogen peroxide into a potent disinfectant. This process eliminates any remaining microorganisms and organic matter, providing an additional layer of security to ensure the purity of the water. UV technology, commonly employed in medical facilities for sterilizing instruments, adds an extra level of confidence in the water’s safety.
Through this meticulous three-step, multiple-barrier process, the AWPF generates ultra-pure water, capable of satisfying any forthcoming water supply demands in Oxnard.
Reinvesting Our Ratepayers’ Funds
Learn more about the City’s investments in our recycled water infrastructure through Oxnard’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP). This document provides the roadmap for how the city will protect and enhance our public infrastructure.