AWWA WQTC69308

Since 9/11, numerous communities have installed multi-parametermonitoring stations in various locations throughout the distribution system as earlywarning systems based on potential water security threats. These continuous on-linesystems have recorded large streams of data (some sites for a number of years) relevant towater quality in the distribution systems in which they have been deployed. In this study,data streams from a number of communities (both small and large) were analyzed forpertinent information as to the health and operation of the distribution system. Changes inwater quality were correlated with known causes attributable to day-to-day operationalchanges (source water switching, chlorine shocking, pumps turning on and off, and pressuresurges), and also anomalous events (pipe bursts, accidental back flows, cross connections,chemical over-feeds, treatment plant problems, nitrification events, etc.). Informationconcerning what, if any, action was taken to ameliorate the problem will also be linked tothe data for the identified events. The data streams also show the diversity in what couldbe termed "normal" operating conditions both within and between different classes andtypes of systems. This sort of information is critical in understanding and improving theoperation of distribution systems, and can also be valuable to the consideration of regulationsthat effect that operation. The current effort to update the Total Coliform Rule as well asany future efforts to regulate the distribution system will need to consider databases suchas this before we determine the best course of action to ensure the public water suppliesmeet acceptable levels of quality and safety from source to tap. Includes 3 references, figures.

Product Details

Edition:

Vol. - No.

Published:

11/01/2008

Number of Pages:

14

File Size:

1 file , 1.2 MB