Optimal water quality to minimise distribution system problems

Water is disinfected to remove harmful organisms, then filtered and treated to remove contaminating pollutants. The treated water then enters distribution pipe networks which eventually terminate at customers taps. The distribution systems can be many kilometres long and if the drinking water is in the distribution system for extended periods of time, the activity of the disinfectant gradually declines. This project used a laboratory model of a representative distribution system to make changes to initial water treatment, then examined their effects on the maintenance of disinfection and water quality.

This paper discusses various water quality risk management techniques and proposes a step-by-step catchment risk assessment methodology that is compatible with the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.