Kitsap Public Utility District (KPUD) serves approximately 16,000 water connections across 51 separate water systems throughout Kitsap County, Washington. The utility operates with a lean team of about 12 operators who rotate responsibilities across four geographic zones. KPUD’s largest system, North Peninsula, serves approximately 4,500 connections, while many of its smaller Group A systems have fewer than 100 customers.

For more than two decades, KPUD has relied on ATEC Water Systems for iron and manganese removal, with its first ATEC units installed prior to 2005. Over time, the utility has expanded its use of ATEC treatment, now operating seven systems.

CHALLENGE: Persistent Iron and Manganese Issues Impacting Water Quality and Operations

Iron and manganese are naturally occurring in groundwater throughout Kitsap County, causing discolored water, taste and odor issues, and mineral buildup in the distribution system. While these contaminants are generally regulated as secondary standards, they can still create significant customer dissatisfaction, frequent hydrant flushing, and increased operational costs. Before treatment, small systems such as Strawberry Hill required flushing every quarter to maintain water clarity, adding unnecessary strain to KPUD’s limited staff resources and budget.

ATEC’S SOLUTION: Proven Filtration Systems with Minimal Maintenance

KPUD installed its first ATEC iron and manganese filtration systems more than 20 years ago. The technology uses oxidant dosing, typically sodium hypochlorite, to continuously regenerate catalytic filtration media capable of lasting 20 years or more without replacement. Automated controls manage backwash cycles, and newer systems include recycle features to conserve water. The units require only minimal routine maintenance, allowing KPUD operators to easily manage them alongside other facilities. Based on consistent performance and ease of operation, ATEC has become the utility’s preferred solution, with seven systems now in service.

RESULTS: Long-Term Water Quality Improvements and Operational Savings

The ATEC systems have delivered consistently excellent water quality, with most sites reporting non-detect levels of iron and manganese in finished water. In one case, distribution system flushing frequency has dropped from being necessary quarterly to now being needed just once since the system went online.

KPUD has never had to replace the filtration media in any ATEC unit, including the oldest systems still in service from before 2005. The units’ ease of operation allows operators to efficiently manage them as part of their county-wide rotation, freeing staff to focus on other critical tasks.

With low lifecycle costs, minimal maintenance needs, and proven long-term reliability, ATEC filtration systems have become an integral part of KPUD’s strategy to provide high-quality water while controlling operational expenses.

KEY BENEFITS

• Proven Expertise: Decades of reliable operation across multiple sites.
• Seamless Integration: Easily fits into existing operations without added complexity.
• Community Protection: Cleaner water, fewer complaints, and improved public perception.
• Cost Efficiency: No media replacement required so far, lowering lifecycle costs.
• Scalable Technology: Effective for both small rural systems and larger urban service areas.

WHY ATEC STANDS OUT

The Kitsap Public Utility District experience highlights ATEC’s ability to deliver long-lasting, low-maintenance treatment solutions that consistently meet water quality goals. With proven results over decades and a strong track record in both small and large systems, ATEC is the trusted choice for utilities seeking dependable iron, manganese, and arsenic treatment solutions.

Learn more about how ATEC can cost-effectively help solve challenges with groundwater treatment.