DRINKING WATER
7 Challenges Municipal Water Treatment Professionals Are Facing And How To Solve Them
Solutions that offer instant, chemical-free disinfection, manage costs, handle high organic loads, and control emerging contaminants are defining the path forward for water facilities.
DRINKING WATER CASE STUDIES AND WHITE PAPERS
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![SmartWaterBenefits_iStock.jpg]( "'Smart Water' Benefits Without 'Big Data' Intimidation")
'Smart Water' Benefits Without 'Big Data' IntimidationFor water treatment plants (WTPs) and wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) pressured to do more with their data despite being pinched by a tight budget and a need to retrain employees, a new strategy can make all the difference. Here is how one such approach makes ‘smart water’ analytics less intimidating and how it has helped one utility make more cost-effective decisions while saving precious time and money.
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Why We Should Use Naturally Occurring Microbes To Save Our Waterways
The most common technologies utilized in the treatment of natural bodies of water that become polluted, or begin to undergo eutrophication, involve primarily some form of physical or chemical treatment such as chemical oxidizers, flocculants, activated carbon and zeolites, and/or mechanical treatments such as dredging. The primary drawback to chemical treatments is that the treatments are based on stoichiometry or molecule to molecule interactions. As a result, they get very expensive when treating large volumes of water.
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![P8152355---Larry-Wilt.jpg]( "What Facility Managers Are Saying About Online Zeta Potential")
What Facility Managers Are Saying About Online Zeta PotentialA chat with Larry Wilt of American Water/Tolt Water Treatment Plant in Seattle, WA gets to the heart of what facility managers have to say about online Zeta potential.
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Water Distribution System Challenges And Solutions
Limited new natural water sources, especially in the southwest region of the USA, and rapidly increasing population has led to the need for innovative methods to manage a water supply system.
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![GettyImages-545675310_450_300]( "Best Strategies For Monitoring And Control Of Ozone And Biologically Active Filtration Systems")
Best Strategies For Monitoring And Control Of Ozone And Biologically Active Filtration SystemsThere are many ways to monitor and control ozonation and biologically active filtration systems and operators need to know which one will work best for the intended application.
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![American]( "AMERICAN Helps Quench Music City's Thirst In 24/7 Water Main Project")
AMERICAN Helps Quench Music City's Thirst In 24/7 Water Main ProjectCrews in Nashville and Davidson County, Tennessee, at times have worked around the clock – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – to complete Metro Water Services’ Cumberland City Low Transmission Water Main project. There is good reason for this full-throttle approach. It minimizes traffic issues and allows for more scheduling flexibility.
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![Field Device]( "Water You Waiting For? Analyze Multiple Water Samples Simultaneously With A New Field Device")
Water You Waiting For? Analyze Multiple Water Samples Simultaneously With A New Field DeviceWhether it’s checking the health of a stream or a drinking water supply, water testing is performed in a variety of industrial, consumer, and applied research settings to measure water quality and chemistry. Understanding the quality of water (its features such as pH, salinity, or dissolved oxygen) and its chemistry (the presence of compounds like chlorine, ammonia, or nitrogen) is often accomplished with specialized, laboratory-based equipment and systems or field sampling methods.
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![DrinkingFountain]( "Evaluating Bulk Hypochlorite Versus Hypochlorite Generated On Site")
Evaluating Bulk Hypochlorite Versus Hypochlorite Generated On SiteChlorine gas is the historical disinfection choice for municipal potable water and wastewater systems due to its low cost and ease of maintenance. However, the hazardous status of chlorine gas and its potential as a terrorist target are driving many facilities to consider alternative disinfection methods. The decision frequently comes down to a choice between commercial sodium hypochlorite delivered in bulk (hypo) and hypochlorite generated on site (OSG). The primary decision factors are safety, cost, ease of maintenance, and environmental impact.
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![EPA-chemical]( "EPA Researchers Develop A Chemical Category-Based Approach To Prioritize PFAS For Data Collection")
EPA Researchers Develop A Chemical Category-Based Approach To Prioritize PFAS For Data CollectionThe Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) requires reporting, record-keeping, testing requirements and restrictions for chemicals of concern, including PFAS. To help meet these requirements, U.S. EPA researchers have developed a chemical category-based approach to help prioritize PFAS for further data collection efforts.
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![Increased_LCRR_Sampling_iStock-678558472]( "Preparing For Increased Sampling Frequency Mandated By LCR Revisions")
Preparing For Increased Sampling Frequency Mandated By LCR RevisionsThe proposed Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) announced by the U.S. EPA offer new hope for identifying and reducing sources of lead contamination in drinking water, albeit with new levels of testing required to pinpoint problem areas. Preparing for the new rules means taking active steps toward identifying both the technicalities and logistics of meeting them, as outlined in the links and bullet points below.
DRINKING WATER APPLICATION NOTES
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Biofouling Control In Cooling Towers With A Halogen Stabilizer10/22/2020
Biofouling in cooling towers is undesirable because it can reduce heat transfer efficiency, restrict water flow, and accelerate corrosion rates. Of even greater concern is the fact that pathogen growth in cooling towers can lead to disease transmission. Given the favorable growth environment of a cooling tower, these microorganisms can reproduce, proliferate and form complex biofilm communities. Legionella bacteria, which cause Legionnaires’ disease, are one of the greatest concerns from a public health standpoint because infections are often lethal and cooling towers are the most frequently reported non-potable water source of Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks (Llewellyn 2017).
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How To Read An Encoder9/13/2013
The HR-E LCD encoder has a 9-digit Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) to show consumption, flow and alarm information. The display automatically toggles between 9-digit and 6-digit consumption, rate of flow and meter model.
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LC-MS/MS Analysis Of PFAS Extractables In Polyethersulfone Syringe Filters Using EPA 537.15/18/2022
A key consideration for any PFAS method is to avoid contamination that can impact the accuracy of data, including those coming from sample preparation techniques such as filtration.
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Water Determination In Liquefied Petroleum Gas Using GC BID And Ionic Liquid Column Watercol™6/28/2018
Water in petrochemical feedstocks can cause problems for processors. Freezing of pipe lines and valves and poisoning of expensive catalysts are just a few examples.
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Hydrogen Sulfide Removal From Water Using AquaSorb® CX-MCA2/19/2014
The “rotten egg” odor in some water supplies is caused by sulfide in water. Sulfide can be treated using oxidation techniques, the goal being to convert the sulfide to high oxidation state species such as sulfate to eliminate the taste and odor concerns. Traditional oxidation techniques such as ozone and chlorine can be used, but can be expensive due to the equipment required to add and monitor the oxidant, and can lead to by-products such as trihalomethanes (THMs), which are regulated in drinking water supplies.
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Determination Of Hexanal In Foods Utilizing Dynamic Headspace4/9/2015
Hexanal is one of many well-documented aromatic components that contribute to flavor and aroma in common consumer food products containing omega-6 fatty acids. Hexanal content is also used to measure the oxidative status of foods rich in omega-6 fatty acids.
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Application Note: Ozone Measurement In Potable Water3/1/2010
Ozone is a powerful oxidizing agent that can be used to destroy the organic compounds that affect the taste and odor of potable water. Environmental concerns have led to increased use of ozone because, unlike chlorine, it does not form hazardous by-products.
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Organics Aren't Invisible: A Guide for Simple Online Monitoring5/13/2019
Control of dissolved organics has been one of the highest priority concerns for most water treatment plants for over 20 years. Organics monitoring is an even more critical issue today in the face of more stringent regulations and concerns around trace organics, emerging contaminants, and even counter-terrorism or water security. Despite the critical need, many plants still rely primarily on turbidity for monitoring and process control.
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Optimization Of Water Treatment Using Zeta Potential5/27/2020
Drinking water in the US and developed nations of the world is treated to remove contamination of foreign materials, both mineral and organic.
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LC-MS Analysis Of PFAS Compounds In EPA 533 After Supelclean™ ENVI-WAX SPE Cleanup8/29/2022
This application note demonstrates the extraction and subsequent analysis of 25 related analytes from water using Supelco SPE cartridges.
DRINKING WATER PRODUCTS
The E-Series® Ultrasonic Plus meter uses transit time technology to measure cold potable water and incorporates an integrated valve into the lay length of the meter. This valve feature allows water utilities to actuate the valve remotely to temporarily restrict water service safely and efficiently.
The Force Balanced EX-TEND Expansion/Contraction Joint is designed to provide expansive or contractive movement to water pipelines subjected to linear movement. Unlike normal expansion joints, the Force Balanced EX-TEND does not generate an imparting thrust.
Amiad’s Fertilizer Injectors bring accuracy and efficiency to the various needs of agriculture fertigation.
The Model T70G4000 chlorine dioxide generator is designed to produce and consistently maintain a product yield greater than 90%, which makes it ideal for drinking water treatment. It is a two chemical system, utilizing commercially available concentrations of hydrochloric acid and sodium chlorite in the production of chlorine dioxide. No chlorine gas is required. A proven design, durable construction and the use of the best available corrosion-resistant materials assure efficient gas production, precise solution feeding, low maintenance and dependable operation for the life of the equipment.
HYMAX GRIP joins and restrains a wide selection of pipes of different types and diameters, easily and reliably. Due to its patented design, it allows the joining of pipes of the same or different materials and diameters and preventing axial pipe movement.
LATEST INSIGHTS ON DRINKING WATER
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![0421_Honduras_Barrio El Rosario-0030]( "Safe Sanitation For Students: 2025 World Toilet Day")
Every year on November 19, Water Mission observes World Toilet Day — a day designated by the United Nations to focus on the importance of safe sanitation for all.
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![energy flow, data transmission, technological connectivity-GettyImages-2240709017]( "2026 Water Utility Outlook: Regulation, AI, And Resilience In The Face Of Scarcity")
Global Water Outcomes expert notes that “water utilities are facing unprecedented challenges and opportunities,” citing the role of digital solutions moving forward. -
![running faucet-GettyImages-175426122]( "HAAs In The EU: Monitoring For Haloacetic Acids Under The Drinking Water Directive")
In this Q&A, Dr. Elke Süss of Metrohm addresses the urgent need for haloacetic acid testing in response to “one of the most significant updates to EU drinking water monitoring in recent years.” -
![clean, safe water with AI-GettyImages-1314144773]( "Collaborating To Execute The AI-Water Nexus")
Amazon and Xylem partner to tackle Mexico’s leaking water systems as the country balances water scarcity and a growing tech sector.
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![hands holding water drop-GettyImages-1412243977]( "Reshaping Resilience: How Tech Giants And Utilities Are Confronting The Global Water Crisis")
Water scarcity is increasingly impacting sectors from agriculture and energy to urban planning and high-tech manufacturing. Recently, industry leaders gathered to explore how new technologies and complex industrial demands are forcing a fundamental rethinking of water infrastructure.
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![GettyImages-2218879973]( "When Chemistry Meets Water Innovation")
Nobel-winning molecular materials are poised to reinvent purification, desalination, and reuse.
DRINKING WATER VIDEOS
NASA scientists used tree rings to understand past droughts and climate models incorporating soil moisture data to estimate future drought risk in the 21st century.
Discover how integrated membrane system designs can maximize the operating stability of EDI systems and reduce mixed bed regeneration frequency.
ABOUT DRINKING WATER
In most developed countries, drinking water is regulated to ensure that it meets drinking water quality standards. In the U.S., the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administers these standards under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA).
Drinking water considerations can be divided into three core areas of concern:
- Source water for a community’s drinking water supply
- Drinking water treatment of source water
- Distribution of treated drinking water to consumers
Drinking Water Sources
Source water access is imperative to human survival. Sources may include groundwater from aquifers, surface water from rivers and streams and seawater through a desalination process. Direct or indirect water reuse is also growing in popularity in communities with limited access to sources of traditional surface or groundwater.
Source water scarcity is a growing concern as populations grow and move to warmer, less aqueous climates; climatic changes take place and industrial and agricultural processes compete with the public’s need for water. The scarcity of water supply and water conservation are major focuses of the American Water Works Association.
Drinking Water Treatment
Drinking Water Treatment involves the removal of pathogens and other contaminants from source water in order to make it safe for humans to consume. Treatment of public drinking water is mandated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the U.S. Common examples of contaminants that need to be treated and removed from water before it is considered potable are microorganisms, disinfectants, disinfection byproducts, inorganic chemicals, organic chemicals and radionuclides.
There are a variety of technologies and processes that can be used for contaminant removal and the removal of pathogens to decontaminate or treat water in a drinking water treatment plant before the clean water is pumped into the water distribution system for consumption.
The first stage in treating drinking water is often called pretreatment and involves screens to remove large debris and objects from the water supply. Aeration can also be used in the pretreatment phase. By mixing air and water, unwanted gases and minerals are removed and the water improves in color, taste and odor.
The second stage in the drinking water treatment process involves coagulation and flocculation. A coagulating agent is added to the water which causes suspended particles to stick together into clumps of material called floc. In sedimentation basins, the heavier floc separates from the water supply and sinks to form sludge, allowing the less turbid water to continue through the process.
During the filtration stage, smaller particles not removed by flocculation are removed from the treated water by running the water through a series of filters. Filter media can include sand, granulated carbon or manufactured membranes. Filtration using reverse osmosis membranes is a critical component of removing salt particles where desalination is being used to treat brackish water or seawater into drinking water.
Following filtration, the water is disinfected to kill or disable any microbes or viruses that could make the consumer sick. The most traditional disinfection method for treating drinking water uses chlorine or chloramines. However, new drinking water disinfection methods are constantly coming to market. Two disinfection methods that have been gaining traction use ozone and ultra-violet (UV) light to disinfect the water supply.
Drinking Water Distribution
Drinking water distribution involves the management of flow of the treated water to the consumer. By some estimates, up to 30% of treated water fails to reach the consumer. This water, often called non-revenue water, escapes from the distribution system through leaks in pipelines and joints, and in extreme cases through water main breaks.
A public water authority manages drinking water distribution through a network of pipes, pumps and valves and monitors that flow using flow, level and pressure measurement sensors and equipment.
Water meters and metering systems such as automatic meter reading (AMR) and advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) allows a water utility to assess a consumer’s water use and charge them for the correct amount of water they have consumed.