U.S. Marine Corps Installs Living Machine System at San Diego Training Base

The Living Machine system is an ecological wastewater treatment and reuse technology for black- and greywater. The new MCRD system will extract wastewater from an existing sewer line at the base and treat it to meet rigorous water reuse standards for the state of California. The on-site Living Machine system will recycle 10,000 gallons of sewer-mined wastewater per day.

 

MCRD provides basic training for over 21,000 recruits per year and is recognized as one of the leading Department of Defense facilities for the implementation of clean technology.

 

“The Living Machine system offers us the opportunity to go beyond conventional water reuse technologies and achieve a significant new level of control over our water resources,” said Richard Hatcher, energy manager at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot. “This is an opportunity for MCRD to demonstrate innovative technology, serve as a model for other Marine Corps facilities and be a partner in San Diego’s water-saving efforts.”

 

“To the thousands of recruits and their families who attend graduation ceremonies at the base, the Living Machine system will appear simply as a lush, tropical landscape feature near the parade ground and statues honoring marine drill instructors,” said Will Kirksey, PE, global development officer at Living Machine Systems. “But the system’s real value is as an ecological water reuse system that ensures lasting water sources for both the military and the surrounding community.”

 

The Living Machine technology adapts one of nature’s most productive ecosystems— the tidal wetland—and accelerates and enhances its plant and microbial activity with advanced environmental engineering and information technology. The Living Machine system is the only water reuse technology that meets the highest quality standards while requiring the least amount of energy.

 

“By reducing demand for imported freshwater and the need to lay new pipelines, Living Machine systems can cost-effectively boost water availability in drought-prone areas, like Southern California, and reduce the burden of water restrictions,” Kirksey added.