New Smyrna Beach Utilities (NSBU), along with city officials and project partners PC Construction and Stantec, has officially started work on the Glencoe Water Treatment Plant Pellet Softening Expansion. This project is notable as the largest use of pellet softening technology in Florida.
The upgrades aim to enhance the plant’s reliability and capacity, lower operating costs, and promote resource conservation. By replacing the outdated lime softening reactor clarifiers from the 1970s with the pellet softening system, the plant’s operational lifespan is expected to increase by at least 30 years. This is expected to delay the need for a reverse osmosis facility, potentially saving substantial future costs.
The new system will utilize 45% fewer chemicals and cut energy consumption by 50% compared to the current lime softening process. It will also eliminate the need for lime sludge disposal and reduce byproduct waste by 80%, contributing to environmental sustainability. With the upgrades, the plant’s capacity will rise to 8.7 million gallons per day, with provisions for future expansion up to 11.6 million gallons per day to meet growing demand. In addition, the system will treat water from the Floridan Aquifer more efficiently, allowing NSBU to continue providing high-quality potable water without increasing withdrawal limits.
The upgrades aim to enhance the plant’s reliability and capacity, lower operating costs, and promote resource conservation
PC Construction and Stantec, the design-build team, are collaborating with NSBU on the project. Before moving forward, the pellet softening technology underwent extensive pilot testing to ensure it aligns with the utility’s needs.
“New Smyrna Beach Utilities is excited to bring this industry-leading water softening project to our water treatment plant,” remarked Efren Chavez, NSBU General Manager/CEO. “We spent the better part of the past five years evaluating the technology and its benefits for our community. Not only will it be instrumental in providing a sustainable, high-quality water source for our customers for the foreseeable future, but it will also save significant money in our water rates for the long term through cost avoidance of building alternative water processing facilities now, such as a reverse osmosis treatment plant.”
“We are proud to partner with NSBU on this exciting project,” said John Yesalonia, Construction Executive at PC Construction. “This facility is a shining example of how improving aging infrastructure can keep a growing community sustainable and vibrant. By incorporating state-of-the-art pellet softening technology, we’re not only reducing operating costs and enhancing environmental stewardship, but also ensuring that New Smyrna Beach Utilities continues to deliver safe, high-quality water to its residents for generations to come.”
The project includes the construction of a new 8,500-square-foot pellet softening facility, administrative spaces, enhanced electrical infrastructure, and upgraded site utilities. The expansion is expected to be completed by late 2027.
