Established in 1996, the Niort Drinking Water Treatment Plant in France has supplied safe, nitrate-free drinking water to the local community for many years. From the outset, the plant opted for Filtralite® Pure HC 2.5–5 as its biological filtration medium to tackle high nitrate levels in raw water, a common issue caused by intensive agriculture and nutrient runoff.
Long-Term Nitrate Removal Through Biological Filtration
Thanks to Filtralite filter media's high porosity and large surface area, the biofilters support the growth of a stable biofilm of naturally occurring bacteria. These microorganisms convert nitrates into nitrogen gas through biological denitrification, effectively reducing nitrate concentrations to meet stringent drinking water standards. The biological process offers a cost-effective, chemical-free solution compared to conventional nitrate removal technologies, which are often more expensive and complex to operate.
Proven Performance and Sustainability After 20+ Years
Over more than 20 years of continuous operation, the Filtralite filter media at Niort demonstrated remarkable durability and performance stability. During this time, the plant consistently produced drinking water with nitrate levels well below regulatory limits, ensuring public health and environmental protection.
In 2017, the Syndicat des Eaux du Vivier (SEV), the public water utility that owns and operates the facility, decided to renew the Filtralite media to continue benefiting from its proven efficiency and long lifespan. The renewal ensured the continuation of reliable biological nitrate removal and reinforced the plant’s commitment to sustainable, high-quality water treatment.
Today, the Niort plant stands as a strong example of how Filtralite® Pure biological filtration technology can deliver long-term nitrate removal, low operating costs, and environmental sustainability in drinking water treatment. Its success shows that biofiltration with Filtralite filter media is a robust, reliable solution for utilities seeking to improve water quality and comply with strict environmental regulations.
