Analysis of the turbidity of raw water in the context of water-supply safety

Abstract

Turbidity impacts, not only on the aesthetic properties of water but also on many features capable of affecting health. This leaves the parameter in question as a very important indicator of the quality of surface water (due to a large amount of information on potential threats), and one capable of serving as a basis for risk analysis. Information on the turbidity of raw water was obtained from the water-supply company, with the focus being on data from the years 2010–2015. This reflects a research focus on the period following modernization of a treatment plant, completed in late 2009. Variation in the turbidity of raw water through the annual cycle was analyzed, with the finding that no cessation of delivery of water to the city on account of inadequate quality was necessitated. This further denotes a positive assessment regarding the efficiency of the water-treatment technology installed in 2009, which proved to be very effective at treating water whose turbidity changed rapidly from time to time, to reach several thousand NTUs. The paper also details attempts to determine the “a posteriori” probability of occurrence of turbidity of a certain value, in line with Bayesian theory.