Microfiltration process produces clean water, reduces chemical use,
and saves money on operational costs.

The Town of Carthage, North Carolina was experiencing problems with adequate water supply capacity and finished water quality. The town hired Hobbs, Upchurch & Associates to study the problem. After extensive research on local water resources and thorough testing of raw water quality, HUA recommended the use of a new Continuous Microfiltration water treatment system. This new and innovative technology allows areas with good raw water quality to produce drinking water of superior quality at low operation and maintenance costs.

Carthage, located in Moore County, North Carolina, is in a growth corridor near the world-famous golf resort of Pinehurst. Over the past ten years, the population of Carthage has more than doubled. The current population is approximately 2,200.

The Carthage Water Treatment Plant is the first municipal facility of its size in North Carolina to use a Continuous Microfiltration System. For this reason, the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Public Water Supply staff was involved in each step of the research and on-site pilot testing. NCDENR must certify a water plant before it can be officially put into operation.

Microfiltration technology has many benefits. Raw water can be processed with fewer chemicals, which results in a cost savings for the Town. Operation and maintenance costs are further reduced because there are fewer mechanical processes in the system. Hobbs, Upchurch & Associates designed the Carthage Water Treatment Plant for maximum flexibility. The water plant can be easily expanded as the Town of Carthage grows and the demand for water increases.

Hobbs, Upchurch & Associates helped Carthage secure a Clean Water Bond - High Unit Cost Grant to build the water plant. In addition, HUA provided the engineering design and construction management for the project. The plant was constructed at a total cost of $2.7 million.

The citizens of Carthage will enjoy clear, pure drinking water in adequate quantities for years to come because of the innovative use of new technology. Adequate water resources will also aid economic development efforts in the Town. In addition, the new system was designed with maximum flexibility so that it can be easily expanded as Carthage grows. In addition, the Carthage plant will serve as a prototype for future construction using microfiltration technology.

This project received an Engineering Excellence Award in 2003 from the American Council of Engineering Companies of North Carolina. Projects that receive these awards undergo a thorough third party review by engineering professionals. The Review is based on requirements such as the overall innovation of the project and whether or not it met or exceeded the client' s expectations.

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