AWWA WQTC60672

Based on previous contamination incidents, civilian and military water supply personnel haveimproved their drinking water surveillance practices. One of the biggest challenges though is that nosingle device can detect all chemical, biological, and radiological contaminants in the distribution system.The absence of a universal detector has forced water utility managers to increase their awareness andrely on conventional and unconventional system indicators. In particular, managers rely upon monitoringphysiochemical parameters (e.g., chlorine, pH, conductivity, and turbidity), pressure readings at variouspoints in the distribution system, and visual surveillance of water system assets. While these monitoringpractices are useful, many water utilities do not have the funds to install real-time monitoring devices atevery point or even a few points throughout their system.This paper provides: insight into why consumers report complaints; a list of chemical andbiological contaminants and their physiochemical and aesthetic water quality effects; examples of howconsumer complaints have been used to identify intentionally and unintentionally contaminated water;a structured approach for investigating complaints; and, guidance on harnessing consumer feedbackto better gauge water quality and potential for contaminations in the distribution system. Includes 26 references, tables, figures.

Product Details

Edition:

Vol. - No.

Published:

11/15/2004

Number of Pages:

10

File Size:

1 file , 700 KB