Since 9/11, numerous communities have installed multi-parameter
monitoring stations in various locations throughout the distribution system as early
warning systems based on potential water security threats. These continuous on-line
systems have recorded large streams of data (some sites for a number of years) relevant to
water quality in the distribution systems in which they have been deployed. In this study,
data streams from a number of communities (both small and large) were analyzed for
pertinent information as to the health and operation of the distribution system. Changes in
water quality were correlated with known causes attributable to day-to-day operational
changes (source water switching, chlorine shocking, pumps turning on and off, and pressure
surges), and also anomalous events (pipe bursts, accidental back flows, cross connections,
chemical over-feeds, treatment plant problems, nitrification events, etc.). Information
concerning what, if any, action was taken to ameliorate the problem will also be linked to
the data for the identified events. The data streams also show the diversity in what could
be termed "normal" operating conditions both within and between different classes and
types of systems. This sort of information is critical in understanding and improving the
operation of distribution systems, and can also be valuable to the consideration of regulations
that effect that operation. The current effort to update the Total Coliform Rule as well as
any future efforts to regulate the distribution system will need to consider databases such
as this before we determine the best course of action to ensure the public water supplies
meet acceptable levels of quality and safety from source to tap. Includes 3 references, figures.
| Edition : | Vol. - No. |
| File Size : | 1
file
, 1.2 MB |
| Note : | This product is unavailable in Ukraine, Russia, Belarus |
| Number of Pages : | 14 |
| Published : | 11/01/2008 |
