AWWA JAW11035

Twenty eight reverse osmosis (RO) water treatment plants responded to a survey to obtain information on the types and causes of problems with such treatment installations. Operators were also asked for suggestions to improve the performance and operating efficiency of their particular system. The survey covered the following areas: reasons for plant closings and inoperation; treatment objectives; water resources and requirements; storage facilities; power supply; training and experience levels of operators and maintenance personnel; pretreatment; pumps; electroconductivity of feedwater; membranes; brine disposal; cleaning solutions; alarm and shutdown provisions; monitoring equipment; posttreatment; and operating and capital costs. RO system problems and solutions are summarized, and recommendations for future installations are suggested. Includes 4 references, tables, figure.