WASTEWATER ANALYSIS RESOURCES

• EPA’s SARS-CoV-2 Research: Assessing Virus Levels In Sewage For Community Level Screening

  EPA researchers are developing and applying methods for detecting different forms of the virus, including live, or infectious, virus and the genetic marker of the virus, its RNA, in wastewater. Standard, reproducible methods of detection are critical to accurately inform public health decisions. This research will focus on developing the best method for detection.

• Microbiological Monitoring Of Paints Using 2^nd Generation ATP

  A paint manufacturer produces a wide range of paint products for industrial, commercial, and residential applications. The products are manufactured in large batches of up to 10 tons. Before each batch is packaged and shipped, a number of tests are performed to ensure that the product meets strict quality control requirements. 

• Using ATP To Reduce Risks From Legionella In Cooling Towers

  A semiconductor manufacturing facility in France relies on an extensive cooling system to maintain stable conditions throughout their production facilities. The cooling system includes 19 cooling towers and 14 cooling water networks spread over a 135-acre site.

• Moneyball For Water And Wastewater Treatment

  The movie and sports term has infiltrated the business world and has important implications for the water/wastewater industry.

• How To Use ATP And DNA In A Wastewater Nitrification Monitoring Plan

  Ammonia removal is a key metric for assessing wastewater treatment facility performance. This is because ammonia contributes to aquatic life toxicity. Furthermore, nitrogen, along with phosphorus, is a driver of receiving water eutrophication. Eutrophication, which simply is an over-enrichment of nutrients, can be detrimental to environmental and public health. It can result in harmful algae blooms, dissolved oxygen depletion, fish kills, and other damaging impacts.

• Calibrating Success: Improved Tools To Maintain Flowmeter Accuracy

  Water utilities with highly successful monitoring programs tend to share a common trait: they have a well-defined plan for calibration that emphasizes frequency and tracking. However, when done properly, this process is time-consuming and often leads to unnecessary labor and downtime. The good news is that advanced metering technology is available for plants to get a better handle on the instrument’s performance with significantly less effort.

• Water Monitoring's Triple Threat: Bad Habits, Bad Readings, Bad Results

  When water and wastewater plant operators can’t get accurate flow measurements or analytical readings — or lack confidence in their instruments’ readings — it creates challenges with the process. When substandard water goes to homes and causes a boil order, or discharge pollutes a lake or reservoir, the resulting bad press, fines, and potential lawsuits erode public confidence. Avoiding these kinds of problems is rooted in good preventive maintenance habits.

• Sounding The Alarm On Silent Noncompliance

  Water and wastewater utility operators work diligently to operate within strict guidelines, ensuring their facilities are producing the best drinking water and highest quality effluent possible. Despite all their efforts, however, it can be easy to fall outside of regulatory compliance without even being aware. The key to avoiding problems like these is to understand how silent noncompliance can happen and knowing when to raise a red flag.

• The Great Flood And Future Predictions

  Did you know that the earliest recorded flood is that of the Great Flood detailed in Christian Bibles, the Torah, and the Quran? I was, therefore, amused to hear from a channel partner about a flow monitoring job in the Eastern Anatolia region of Turkey, at the foot of Mount Ararat. Why? Because Mount Ararat is cited as the place where Noah’s Ark came to rest after the Great Flood (Genesis 8:4).

• Rapid Microbial Assessment Following A Case Of Legionellosis

  A case of legionellosis — an illness acquired from Legionella bacteria, which can grow in cooling water and potable water systems — was diagnosed at a medical retirement home.