Design and Construction of an Ion‐Exchange Denitrification Plant in South Staffordshire

Increasing concern about rising levels of nitrate in groundwater supplies and their subsequent removal to comply with EC drinking water standards has led to the construction of the first full‐scale ion‐exchange nitrate‐removal plant in the UK by the South Staffordshire Waterworks Company. This paper describes the development of the project from concept, through pilot‐plant studies to final design, installation and commissioning. It explains the role of ion‐exchange technologies, the use of recently developed nitrate‐selective resins and the development of a novel dual regeneration system. The initial performance of the full‐scale plant is discussed.