This paper presents the results of research supported by the Water Environment Research Foundation
(WERF) on the Impact of Surface Storage on Reclaimed Water for Non-potable Use: Seasonal and Long
Term. The research objectives were: to develop a better understanding of the effects of storage on
reclaimed water quality; to develop a methodology to help understand/predict water quality changes during
storage; and, to develop effective management tools for minimizing water quality problems. To meet these
objectives, the Research Team focused on six general areas: literature review; water quality criteria;
water quality parameters; management strategies; models; and, recommended water quality
management tools.
The literature review, which included more than 100 published articles and a gray literature survey, was
conducted to analyze the impact of surface storage on reclaimed water quality. The research team also
evaluated federal guidelines for reclaimed water and developed a brief update on what individual states
are doing. It was determined that state and federal water quality objectives can be met at the treatment
site. However, because of the seasonal nature of reclaimed water use, the water often must be stored in
open reservoirs, where changes occur that can affect water quality. The nature of these changes was
evaluated, including physical, chemical, and biological processes.
Several reservoir management strategies to improve water quality were evaluated, including
destratification, oxygenation, wetlands, copper sulfate/cuprine treatment, advanced waste treatment for
phosphorus and nitrogen, dredging and alum treatment. The study also evaluated twelve water quality
models to assess their applicability for reclaimed water storage reservoirs. The models ranged from
simple steady-state empirical models to highly complex 3-dimensional models.
Matrices and flow charts were developed to distill the information learned in the study into a useful
format for risk assessors and water quality managers. These tools will enable users to readily equate
their specific storage reservoirs to representative examples and to identify actions most applicable to
their specific reclaimed water systems. Includes tables.
| Edition : | Vol. - No. |
| File Size : | 1
file
, 240 KB |
| Note : | This product is unavailable in Ukraine, Russia, Belarus |
| Number of Pages : | 10 |
| Published : | 06/15/2003 |
