Particulate finger printing of water quality in the distribution system

Abstract

Particles in the distribution system play an important role in the perception of drinking water quality, particularly in association with discolouration. In the Netherlands the water quality in the distribution system is traditionally monitored by turbidity measurements. However, turbidity is hard to quantify as it is a complex function of particle suspension, dependent on many factors. In this paper the value of on-particle counting in determining the particulate volume load fed to and in a distribution system will be discussed and analysed. On-line particle counters have been used at several locations in Dutch distribution systems to monitor the particulate water quality. Furthermore, particulate material in a transportation system was characterized by using pre-concentration methods allowing organic and inorganic analysis of the particulate material. By using online particles counters and pre-concentration methods it is possible to identify different sources of particles in a distribution network. The overall conclusion of the paper is that on-line particle counters in combination with the pre concentration methods are a very effective and useful tool in understanding the water quality changes in the distribution system. © 2007 American Water Works Association.