Real time monitoring and process control is a crucial component of optimal, pro-active water and wastewater management but there is a lack of information about real-world experience, operation, return on investment and the costs that are related to online monitoring. This research collated information from literature reviews, case studies, industry surveys and interviews, and concluded that more than 250 manufacturers sell over 100 water quality applications. In this context it is important to carefully define operational needs and the availability of skills, resources and budget before choosing an application. It is also important to manage and set realistic expectations and to embed online monitoring within the organisation.

The aim of this project was to examine the utility of ultra-violet (UV) spectroscopy as a real-time water quality monitoring system. Two case studies were conducted. One assessed stormwater and showed that the UV system could detect that the first flush contained chemicals used as surrogates for water quality whereas later flows contained bacterial and biological markers. From this it was concluded that the sources of bacteria and chemicals were probably physically separated until they were mixed during surface runoff. In the second case study, the UV measurement equipment was set up in a groundwater filtration plant. It proved possible to accurately characterise water quality changes and assist operational decision-making.