AWWA WQTC59013

The integration of distribution system water quality management practices appears to be amongthe future regulatory requirements that utilities can anticipate facing in the near future.Historically, water utilities have incorporated programs for distribution system flushing as ameans of restoring water quality particularly within dead ends or extremities of their systems.These practices usually require coordination with distribution system and laboratory personnelfor the flushing of sections of the system that may be experiencing less than desirable waterquality variations. Needless to say, the time and coordination effort required among thesepersonnel can be financially burdensome depending on the flushing frequency and water qualityconditions experienced.As part of an initiative to enhance water quality within the distribution system, the City of NorthMiami Beach Public Services Department has incorporated several automated water flushingdevices to flush certain areas of the distribution system on a scheduled basis. The automaticflushing system uses a fraction of the water otherwise required by a manual flush, but moreimportantly it does not require personnel for its operation. Although flushes occur periodically,they are not voluminous, thus having insignificant impact on area drainage. However, moreimportant is the water quality benefits achieved when conducting periodic flushes on ascheduled basis. Chlorine residuals, pH,and total trihalomethanes have improved in problematic areas of the distribution system since the operational implementation of these devices incomparison to previous years. This paper provides an analysis of quantifiable benefitsachieved by the City in overall water quality as well as operational cost savings associated withthe use of an automated flushing device. Includes tables, figures.

Product Details

Edition:

Vol. - No.

Published:

11/02/2003

Number of Pages:

9

File Size:

1 file , 360 KB