AWWA JAW28475

Field data from various utilities were studied with the object of identifying a set of characteristics of a surface water that might allow it to be successfully treated by disinfection alone, thus avoiding the need to filter. It was found possible to define water quality standards for a surface water amenable to disinfection only: fecal coliforms 20/100 mL, turbidity 1 NTU, color 15 acu, and chlorine demand 2 mg/L. As well as meeting specifications for raw-water quality and monitoring, a utility would also need to meet certain conditions for system operations. Some of the natural characteristics that influence water quality in a surface water include storage capacity, eutrophication, retention time, and stratification-destratification. Watershed management is an essential aspect of controlling water quality fluctuations and in preventing progressive deterioration of the raw-water. The bulk of the article discusses water quality criteria and parameters, as well as monitoring strategies for raw water. Includes 42 references, tables, figures.