TSS, Bacteria and Virus Removal at Lettuce Washing Facility

Eliminate Recalls and Reuse Rinse Water 

Case Study Details

BOD Reduction Case Study

A Southern California lettuce processor faced water scarcity, high surcharges, and recall risks due to contaminated rinse water. Hydro Reserve’s treatment system eliminated surcharges, removed TSS, bacteria, and viruses, and now saves 114 million gallons of water per year while ensuring food safety.

Reduce bacteria in lettuce production
Reducing bacteria and TSS in lettuce rinse water
Lettuce processing bacteria reduction

Challenge

A Southern California lettuce processor faced rising surcharges, water shortages, and the risk of recalls due to contaminants in its rinse water. The facility needed a reliable, space-efficient solution to remove TSS, bacteria, and viruses while recycling water to ensure food safety and regulatory compliance.

Solution & Application

Hydro Reserve implemented an advanced water treatment system to remove TSS, bacteria, fecal coliform, salmonella, and viruses from the facility’s rinse water. By recycling 400,000 gallons of water per day, eliminating surcharges, and ensuring food safety, the system provided a sustainable, cost-effective solution with a successful pilot, full O&M service, and a compact footprint.

System Results & Benefits

  • Save 400,000 Gallons Per Day
  • Save 114M Gallons Per Year
  • Eliminate Recalls
  • Eliminate Surcharge by 100%
Case Study Shepherds Eggs 800 GPM BOD Reduction System Hydro Reserve
The Hydro Reserve 800GPM BOD reduction system enabled them to eliminate evaporation ponds, surcharges and odor and has been in daily operation for over 5 years.

Project Details

LOCATION

Southern California

CLIENT

Food: Lettuce Processing Facility

DESIGN & SPECIALTY

Case Study: Eliminate Recalls, Save Water

Application
  • Eliminate Wastewater Surcharges:
    Avoid costly monthly fees by treating and recycling rinse water onsite, eliminating surcharge payments and reducing wastewater disposal costs.
  • Ensure Food Compliance and Safety:
    Contaminants like TSS, bacteria, and viruses posed serious recall and regulatory risks, but our system removed them entirely, ensuring compliance and product safety.
  • Maximize Water Savings and Sustainability:
    By recycling 400,000 gallons of rinse water daily, the facility significantly reduced water consumption, lowering costs and improving operational efficiency.
Success Factors & Key Metrics
  • Key Metrics: The lettuce processor eliminated surcharges, removed contaminants, and saved 114 million gallons of water annually. The facility ensured compliance, prevented recalls, and improved operational efficiency.
  • 114M Gallons Water Saved Per Year
  • 100% Surcharge Elimination
  • Smaller Footprint
  • Guaranteed Performance