Real time distribution system water quality monitoring systems can play animportant role in complementing existing security measures to protect criticalinfrastructures within the water distribution system. Information from on-line monitors,when used in conjunction with data from epidemiological studies, syndromic surveillancesystems and multiple streams of operational data (including hydraulic models, acousticmonitors and/or automated meter readers) can provide water utilities with an effectivesystem for developing early responses to unanticipated changes in drinking water quality.Naturally there are logistical issues associated with developing such a comprehensivedistribution monitoring system. For example identification of appropriate parameters formonitoring purposes, sensor maintenance and calibration frequencies, selection of idealmonitoring stations within the distribution system, reliability of data communications tothe central monitoring location, effective mechanisms for data management and selectionof criteria that define water quality anomalies while minimizing the occurrence of falsepositives. American Water has been tackling each of these challenges individually and,although significant challenges remain, a picture is beginning to emerge ofan "ideal" infrastructure of a real time monitoring system that would help to enhance thewater utility operators ability to respond to water quality anomalies that may have apublic health impact to its consumers. An important criterion for the real time monitoringsystem is that the architecture needs to be sufficiently flexible to accommodate new ormore sophisticated technologies as they emerge. Tailoring this design to meet systemspecific needs followed by continuous real time monitoring of water quality parametersand automated grab sampling for event verification using more sophisticated equipmentor analyses, will allow both operational optimization and improved responsiveness tointentional and/or accidental contamination events that may be of public health concern. Includes 17 references, figures.
