Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) Mitigation and Advanced Treatment Evaluation for the Palm Springs Visitor Center

Summary

The Palm Springs Visitors Center operates an on-site wastewater treatment facility that is currently in noncompliance with upcoming effluent Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) concentration regulations, which take effect in June 2026. The current on-site wastewater treatment facility does not account for TDS removal. The Palm Springs Regional Water Quality Control Board established a new TDS limit of 500 mg/L for 2026.

The focus of this project is to determine the best available treatment technology to lower TDS levels within compliance of these upcoming regulations. Multiple treatment technologies were analyzed and an effluent fate analysis was conducted in order to decide the best design strategy. Moreover, regional constraints such as permitting and environmental regulations were researched to verify compliance. Finally, a mass balance was conducted to calculate how much effluent water needs to be treated to meet the MCL.

Technical Approach/Methodology

JCC Consultants proposes implementing a Reverse Osmosis (RO) system to remove TDS from the effluent water. A portion of the effluent will undergo RO, then recombine with the rest of the effluent to create water with TDS levels less than the MCL. This treated water will discharge into a leach field next to the Palm Springs Visitor Center. RO brine will drain into brine ponds where its water content will evaporate and the leftover solid TDS will be disposed of.

Outcomes

A preliminary design for this water treatment system was created, including pumps, piping, valves, pre-treatment, waste disposal, and effluent fate. Additionally, a cost analysis was performed to provide an accurate price point for the project. Plan sets, cutsheets, and a project log are included for reference. An energy usage assessment, operations cost estimate, and membrane modeling should be conducted if the project were to continue developing.

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