Removing Esoteric Contaminants from Drinking Waters: Impacts of Treatment Implementation

Abstract

The chemical characteristics of perchlorate allow for an interesting evaluation of drinking water treatment technologies. The technologies that hold current applicability for perchiorate removal (anion exchange resin, anaerobic biological treatment, high-pressure membranes, and modified adsorbents) are not commonly used for treating drinking water. Residual production and handling would need to be addressed. The technologies can also significantly change the water quality characteristics of the finished water. This suggests that careful consideration must be made for evaluating the consequences of installing perchlorate treatment, particularly with regard to distribution systems. All of the issues discussed herein can be addressed with proper engineering and science. Regardless of perchlorate's future regulatory status, research into what treatment is required for it and what that implies brings an interesting dimension that will help the drinking water community's knowledge base as we explore emerging issues such as water reuse, pharmaceuticals, endocrine disruptors, and nano-particles that seemed extremely remote only a few decades ago. © 2007 ASCE.