CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA -- (Marketwire) -- 11/10/09 -- Worrell Water Technologies and Furman University today announced the Living Machine® ecological wastewater treatment and recycling system as a cornerstone feature of its new sustainable building on campus, the Charles H. Townes Center for Science.

"We've built a number of LEED buildings since 2001, but with our new science building, we wanted to go beyond LEED for this building's water treatment and supply," said Jeff Redderson, Assistant Vice President of Facilities at Furman University. "When it came to energy efficiency and low cost of operation, the Living Machine® system really stood apart from the competition."

When comparing the Living Machine® system to other alternatives, Redderson found the Living Machine® system to have the best cost/benefit track record. "Other systems used a lot more energy and appeared to be more costly to operate and maintain," added Redderson.

The Living Machine® system at Furman can process up to 5,000 gallons of wastewater every day, diverted from the building's sewer line (sewer mining), where it is collected in a buried primary tank and pumped into a series of wetland basins. The computer controlled wetland basins are alternately drained and filled in a manner analogous to natural tidal wetlands. The tidal cycles provide oxygen and nutrients for microorganisms that live in the wetland and naturally treat the wastewater. High quality effluent will be re-used for toilet flushing and cage washing in science labs.

"Furman's decision to opt for an on-site wastewater system signals an overall trend to use decentralized, ecological wastewater systems in response to our water crisis. This is a prime example of how you can combine existing, functional water systems with proven innovations in ecological treatment to increase the water supply," said Will Kirksey, Executive Vice President at Worrell Water Technologies.

The Living Machine® system is located adjacent to the Charles H. Townes Center for Science, which houses four science departments. "We wanted the Living Machine® system to also serve our 'Science in Sight' mission. Students can now see the future of wastewater treatment right outside the classroom. We will integrate the Living Machine® system into our studies on how we can utilize natural processes to cleanse and replenish our water supply," said Brannon Andersen, Professor and Chair of the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences.

The Living Machine® system has a small footprint (120 square feet) and requires minimal maintenance. According to Redderson, "Our custodian comes over 30 minutes a day to check on the system and that's it."

"Living Machine® systems have been permitted in over a dozen states for wastewater treatment and reuse," said Mr. Kirksey. "We ensure quality recycled water by using UV light to make certain no bacterial contamination remains before the water is pumped back for re-use. Since water is kept below the surface of the packed gravel medium, one only sees the lush plants on the surface, and there is no potential for accidental contact with partially treated effluent or the development of a mosquito breeding habitat."

More about the Living Machine® System

The Living Machine® engineered tidal wetland system combines the compact footprint of traditional wastewater treatment technologies with the energy efficiency of conventional constructed wetlands. It produces quality recycled water out of both gray and black water without the chemicals, odor, offensive by-products or high energy usage required by conventional systems The treated water may then be recycled for purposes such as landscape irrigation, toilet flushing, industrial processes, washing equipment or animal areas, landscape water features (e.g. fish ponds, waterfalls) and other uses. For more information, go to www.livingmachines.com.

About Furman University

Located in Greenville, South Carolina, Furman University is a private liberal arts university and the oldest, largest and most selective private institution in South Carolina.

About Worrell Water Technologies

Worrell Water Technologies provides ecological wastewater treatment and water purification technologies. The company has an active research and development department, which has dedicated years to provide the means to recycle, purify and replenish our most essential natural resource -- water. Worrell Water's flagship products include the Living Machine® system, a proven ecological wastewater treatment system, and HydroSecure(TM), the only water purification system developed in partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense, Department of State, and Secret Service, that provides the ultimate level of control, safety and security for households and commercial buildings. Headquartered in Charlottesville, Virginia, Worrell Water has a portfolio of proprietary intellectual property and a diverse professional, engineering and research staff. For additional information and photos of the company's products, visit www.worrellwater.com.