Based on previous contamination incidents, civilian and military water supply personnel have
improved their drinking water surveillance practices. One of the biggest challenges though is that no
single device can detect all chemical, biological, and radiological contaminants in the distribution system.
The absence of a universal detector has forced water utility managers to increase their awareness and
rely on conventional and unconventional system indicators. In particular, managers rely upon monitoring
physiochemical parameters (e.g., chlorine, pH, conductivity, and turbidity), pressure readings at various
points in the distribution system, and visual surveillance of water system assets. While these monitoring
practices are useful, many water utilities do not have the funds to install real-time monitoring devices at
every point or even a few points throughout their system.
This paper provides: insight into why consumers report complaints; a list of chemical and
biological contaminants and their physiochemical and aesthetic water quality effects; examples of how
consumer complaints have been used to identify intentionally and unintentionally contaminated water;
a structured approach for investigating complaints; and, guidance on harnessing consumer feedback
to better gauge water quality and potential for contaminations in the distribution system. Includes 26 references, tables, figures.
| Edition : | Vol. - No. |
| File Size : | 1
file |
| Note : | This product is unavailable in Ukraine, Russia, Belarus |
| Number of Pages : | 10 |
| Published : | 11/15/2004 |
