X. Operation and Maintenance

1. X. Operation and Maintenance A. Record-keeping for drinking water supply monitoring

2. Objectives - students should: • Justify the necessity for record-keeping of microbiological, chemical, and physical parameters of water in treatment and distribution systems.

3. Record-keeping • Conscientious record- keeping is very important to keep track of short- or long-term changes in water quality. • It may not be evident at the time that a problem is occurring. Records can identify problems after the fact.

4. Examples of types of records: • Microbiological analyses: changes may cause illness in consumers. • Chemical analyses:changes may cause taste, odor or health problems. • Physical analyses: changes may lead to decreased palatability.

5. Why keep microbiological analysis records? • Microbial changes can occur due to: • Surface runoff into water sources (e.g., animal or human wastes). • Improper disinfection. • Cross-contamination of distribution system • Problems with physical treatment process.

6. Why keep chemical analysis records? • Chemical changes can occur due to: • Malfunctions or mistakes of metering pumps or personnel (Cl, Fl, etc.) • Natural levels in different water sources (Fl, Ca, Mg, etc.) • Runoff (surface) or groundwater contamination (pesticides, VOC’s, etc).

7. Why keep physical analysis records? • Physical analyses can be used to monitor the palatability of water: • Turbidity - particulate contamination. • Color - clarity and some contaminants. • pH - may contribute to taste. • Floating debris indicates general surface water quality.

8. Summary: • It is essential to keep records of physical, chemical, and biological water quality for both internal and external monitoring of water quality. • Proper monitoring and record-keeping can identify problems after-the-fact and help to prevent future problems.

9. X. Operation and Maintenance B. Emergency water treatment alternatives and sources of potable water.

10. Objectives: • List, describe and give examples of alternative water treatment techniques for emergencies. • Distinguish among alternative sources of drinking water during emergency situations.

11. Emergency water treatment and supplies • Health departments should be notified when a water emergency occurs. • Health departments may need to notify residents of alternative water sources. • There are several alternative available treatments to provide drinking water.

12. Alternative water treatments • Boiling for 1-2 minutes will disinfect water (inactivate bacteria, viruses, etc.) • Sterilization requires heating to 2500F. (1210 C) for 15 minutes. • Aeration and/or adding a pinch of salt will improve water taste after heating.

13. Alternative water treatments (continued) • Chlorination will disinfect water that is not grossly polluted with organic matter. • Various forms of chlorine may be added to batches of water, or flowing water. • Iodine can also be used to disinfect water (8 drops/quart for 30 minutes).

14. Alternative water treatments (continued) • Emergency filtration of water can be used to improve water quality. • Filter pumps can produce small quantities of potable water. • Slow sand filters can be improvised quickly, but must be monitored closely.

15. Alternative sources of potable water • Bottled water can be purchased at supermarkets. • Bulk water may be supplied by municipalities from safe sources. • Milk processing plants or beverage-bottling plants can produce water. • Even swimming pools can be an emergency source of drinking water

16. Summary: • Alternative emergency water treatments include boiling, filtering, and chemical disinfection. • Alternative emergency water sources include bottled water, other drink production facilities, and even swimming pools.