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A New Paradigm for Distribution System Monitoring
Oral Presentation
Prepared by D. Walker
Hach Company, 5600 Lindbergh Drive, Loveland, CO, 80538, United States
Contact Information: dwalker@hach.com; 970-210-9940
ABSTRACT
In order to control the chloramination process and prevent nitrification in the distribution system, frequent monitoring of multiple electrochemical and colorimetric parameters, including, but not limited to pH, chlorine, monochloramine, free ammonia, and nitrite, is necessary. Current portable monitoring options require that multiple instruments, accessories, and chemicals be carried into the field. The analytical methods require many manual steps and take a considerable amount of time, reducing the efficiency of field operations. The inherent variability introduced by the manual methods leads to potential for errors and inconsistent results among operators. This variability limits utilities’ ability to see trends in the distribution system, reducing the likelihood that issues can be recognized and rectified before they become costly or threaten water quality.
This paper evaluates a new EPA approved field methodology – a portable system that performs simultaneous testing of multiple parameters that dramatically streamlines water quality monitoring. A case study will be presented, in which a utility in the southeast was able to save a considerable amount of time in the field, improve operations, assure operator safety, and drastically reduce the amount of treated water flushed in the distribution system for nitrification control through the use of this new measurement technology.
Oral Presentation
Prepared by D. Walker
Hach Company, 5600 Lindbergh Drive, Loveland, CO, 80538, United States
Contact Information: dwalker@hach.com; 970-210-9940
ABSTRACT
In order to control the chloramination process and prevent nitrification in the distribution system, frequent monitoring of multiple electrochemical and colorimetric parameters, including, but not limited to pH, chlorine, monochloramine, free ammonia, and nitrite, is necessary. Current portable monitoring options require that multiple instruments, accessories, and chemicals be carried into the field. The analytical methods require many manual steps and take a considerable amount of time, reducing the efficiency of field operations. The inherent variability introduced by the manual methods leads to potential for errors and inconsistent results among operators. This variability limits utilities’ ability to see trends in the distribution system, reducing the likelihood that issues can be recognized and rectified before they become costly or threaten water quality.
This paper evaluates a new EPA approved field methodology – a portable system that performs simultaneous testing of multiple parameters that dramatically streamlines water quality monitoring. A case study will be presented, in which a utility in the southeast was able to save a considerable amount of time in the field, improve operations, assure operator safety, and drastically reduce the amount of treated water flushed in the distribution system for nitrification control through the use of this new measurement technology.