AWWA QTC97209

The term reliability is commonly used in groundwater system design and engineering as a measure of failure rates and system availability. It is also used to represent some measure of public perception as to the trustworthiness of drinking water supplies. The term is not common in evaluating quality in the water resource benefits field. Two candidate elements of the Ground Water Disinfection Rule (GWDR) focus on physical system integrity and protection from failure, both theoretically measured by a reliability analysis. Potential regulatory approaches to addressing these issues stress maintaining a good distribution system residual, good operating procedures and the performance of adequate maintenance (including cross connection control, backflow prevention, flushing and valve exercise programs and pressure testing). These are all well known and accepted best management practices; however, only a limited understanding of their individual benefits and liabilities exists. The purpose of this paper is to present some discussion of reliability concepts that cuts through all of the areas described above as they apply to the GWDR and to examine how reliability of groundwater systems might be translated into measurable benefits of the GWDR.

Product Details

Published:

01/01/1997

ISBN(s):

0898679583

Number of Pages:

8

File Size:

1 file , 47 KB