AWWA JAW71674

A concise review of the standard treatment technologies used to achieve compliance with the Stage 2 Disinfectants/Disinfection Byproducts Rule (D/DBPR), along with their respective advantages and disadvantages, is presented in this article. Capital and operating cost estimates for D/DBPR compliance, first released in 2005 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, are updated. As many utilities have found, switching to a disinfectant other than chlorine may be effective in limiting regulated disinfection byproducts, but it can also create new DBPs whose effects are not well known or understood. Treatment technologies that remove the source of the byproducts, although more expensive, may prove to be the better alternative - especially when the additional contaminant removal often required in addition to the reduction of DBPs is factored into the equation. By implementing organic matter removal technologies, a water utility can best achieve Stage 2 D/DBPR compliance without creating additional problems in the treated water and will likely achieve additional benefits in terms of improved water quality. This article can help utilities prepare for technology selection as well as future treatment needs and budgeting of expenses. Includes 15 references, tables.