AWWA ACE94260

Waterborne disease outbreaks (WBDO) are not just a threat, they are a reality. Recent Cryptosporidium outbreaks and "boil water" orders in the US, Canada, and the UK have caused treatment plant operators to ask the question, "What can I do to minimize the risk in my system?" In many cases, the actions needed are neither expensive nor complex. It is well documented that systems using coagulants must have consistent, reliable dosage control to obtain organism removal. This applies to conventional, multiple barrier systems (coagulation, flocculation, settling, filtration) and direct/in-line filtration plants. Optimizing filter performance is the second step in preventing WBDO. The basic purpose of a filter is particulate removal. As filter effluents improve, the need for more sensitive particulate monitoring devices increases. Particle Counters and Particle Monitors provide this sensitivity. Specifically, these instruments are very effective in detecting particles in the Giardia and Cryptosporidium size range. The expense of optimizing coagulant feed and filter efficiency is nominal when compared with an outbreak. For some water consumers with immune depressed conditions, it can be a life and death matter. Waterborne disease outbreaks can be minimized by using available process control and monitoring tools, and a good dose of common sense.

Product Details

Published:

01/01/1994

ISBN(s):

0898677769

Number of Pages:

9

File Size:

1 file , 1.2 MB