Managing the risks and responsibilities of resource companies providing potable water

2013 ◽  
Vol 53 (1) ◽  
pp. 407
Author(s):  
Chris Hewitson ◽  
Eva Dec ◽  
Tony Lines
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Drinking Water ◽  
Water Supply ◽  
Potable Water ◽  
Quality Management System ◽  
Water Quality Management ◽  
Water Source ◽  
Aquifer Recharge ◽  
Beneficial Use ◽  
The Impact

This peer-reviewed paper examines the risks and responsibilities of water providers and the process resource companies should undertake to document how they will deliver a safe and secure water supply to their employees and contractors, and the communities in which they operate, thereby reducing the risks of water quality incidents and managing the impact to the organisation should an incident occur. Water quality incidents can have major impacts to human health and the brand perception of the resource company supplying the water, and can potentially shutdown resource abstraction. Resource companies have a duty of care to provide a secure and safe drinking water supply. This is reinforced by state health departments directing resource organisations to comply with the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG), which were updated in 2011 (National Health and Medical Research Council, 2011). Organisations in the CSG industry experience an additional challenge—managing water by-product from gas extraction. There are drivers for the beneficial use of this water—including irrigation, aquifer recharge and municipal supply—resulting in changes to legislation in Queensland (DERM, 2010) that require a process similar to ADWG recommendations, where beneficial use or disposal may impact potable supplies. The ADWG provides clear guidance to potable water providers—whether they are supplying a few consumers or major towns requiring a Drinking Water Quality Management System (DWQM System). This guidance includes documenting a clear process to securing a clean water source, making the water safe to consume and proving it is safe. Developing a DWQM System enables resource companies to understand issues in supplying drinking water through regular review and improvement, while minimising and managing the health risks to consumers.

scholarly journals Recycling water in U.S. cities: understanding preferences for aquifer recharging and dual-reticulation systems

Water Policy ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 1207-1223 ◽  
Author(s):  
David J. Hess ◽  
Brandi M. Collins
Keyword(s):  
Water Supply ◽  
Groundwater Recharge ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Potable Water ◽  
Water Source ◽  
Water Supply Systems ◽  
Aquifer Recharge ◽  
Recycled Water ◽  
Water Supplies ◽  
Supply Systems

Abstract Recycling of effluent water from urban water-supply systems is often a more sustainable water source than increased use of surface sources, groundwater sources, and desalination. However, water-supply organizations (WSOs) often do not take full advantage of recycled water. Although recycling water for direct potable use is efficient, public concern with safety has tended to cause WSOs to favor other uses for recycled water. This study examines patterns in the degree of utilization of two main indirect uses of recycled water: dual-reticulation systems and groundwater recharge. Drawing on case studies of four U.S. cities that are leaders in the use of recycled water, the study identifies conditions that favor the choice of one option over the other. Where cities are concerned with groundwater recharge of potable water supplies, they tend to prefer non-recycled water if available for recharge projects. However, where non-recycled water supplies are limited, recycled water may be prioritized for aquifer recharge. Otherwise, the preference is for use by large industrial partners such as power plants or for exchanges for higher-quality potable water resources with rural systems. In contrast, dual-reticulation (purple-pipe) systems for direct nonpotable recycling face steep economic and technical challenges.

scholarly journals Effect of increasing bromide concentration on toxicity in treated drinking water

2015 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 183-191 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma Sawade ◽  
Rolando Fabris ◽  
Andrew Humpage ◽  
Mary Drikas
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Drinking Water ◽  
Water Treatment ◽  
Distribution Systems ◽  
Water Quality Management ◽  
Drinking Water Treatment ◽  
Sudden Onset ◽  
Toxic Species ◽  
Treated Drinking Water ◽  
The Impact

Research is increasingly indicating the potential chronic health effects of brominated disinfection by-products (DBPs). This is likely to increase with elevated bromide concentrations resulting from the impacts of climate change, projected to include extended periods of drought and the sudden onset of water quality changes. This will demand more rigorous monitoring throughout distribution systems and improved water quality management at water treatment plants (WTPs). In this work the impact of increased bromide concentration on formation of DBPs following conventional treatment and chlorination was assessed for two water sources. Bioanalytical tests were utilised to determine cytotoxicity of the water post disinfection. Coagulation was shown to significantly reduce the cytotoxicity of the water, indicating that removal of natural organic matter DBP precursors continues to be an important factor in drinking water treatment. Most toxic species appear to form within the first half hour following disinfectant addition. Increasing bromide concentration across the two waters was shown to increase the formation of trihalomethanes and shifted the haloacetic acid species distribution from chlorinated to those with greater bromine substitution. This correlated with increasing cytotoxicity. This work demonstrates the challenges faced by WTPs and the possible effects increasing levels of bromide in source waters could have on public health.

Web enablement of a Water Safety Plan via the municipal-based electronic Water Quality Management System (eWQMS)

2011 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 568-577
Author(s):  
P. F. de Souza ◽  
J. E. Burgess ◽  
M. Swart ◽  
V. Naidoo ◽  
A. Blanckenberg
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Drinking Water ◽  
Quality Management ◽  
Management System ◽  
Quality Management System ◽  
Water Quality Management ◽  
Water Services ◽  
Water Safety ◽  
Safety Plan ◽  
Water Safety Plan

Despite a good legislative framework, South Africa faces significant challenges in the sustainable provision of adequate and safe water services. To improve the situation, South Africa's Department of Water Affairs (DWA) and other water sector partners undertook initiatives to assist municipalities with operation and management of water services. By way of example, in 2006, the municipal engineering oriented electronic Water Quality Management System (eWQMS) was implemented, providing municipalities with a platform for loading drinking water quality data and tracking performance of key water services management functions. Following this in 2008, DWA introduced an incentive-based regulatory programme, Blue Drop Certification (BDC), and the associated regulatory drinking water quality information system, the Blue Drop System (BDS) which is, for example, populated with data loaded by municipalities onto eWQMS. An integral part of BDC is the development of Water Safety Plans (WSPs). Due to the challenges faced by municipalities in developing WSPs, the Water Research Commission (WRC) saw a need to assist municipalities, and subsequently a generic Water Safety Plan for Small Community Water Supplies was developed. The WRC also saw the need to develop an easy-to-use WSP tool for municipalities. The eWQMS was selected as the platform for making the tool available. This paper presents the development of a web-enabled WSP tool on the eWQMS which ultimately will provide the information to the BDS.

The impact of low-flow season on source drinking water quality, Rosetta branch, Egypt

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 477-484 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Ghodeif ◽  
R. Wahaab ◽  
S. Sorour
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Drinking Water ◽  
Water Source ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
Low Flow ◽  
Drinking Water Source ◽  
Management Options ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Impact

The present work was conducted to document the problems raised regarding low-flow in the Rosetta branch, Egypt and to develop management options to protect drinking water sources. The water quality was monitored during low-flow periods at four drinking water intakes. Results showed an increase in electric conductivity (EC), ammonium (NH4), nitrite (NO2), phosphate (PO4), and total organic carbon (TOC) during the low-flow period. EC ranges from 454 to 1,062 μS/cm and the mean value is 744. Ammonium ranges from 0.38 to 18.5 mg/L and the mean value is 5.45. NO2, PO4, and TOC have mean values of 0.73, 1.85, and 6.71 mg/L, respectively. Statistical evaluation revealed the association of NH4, EC, and PO4 that are good indicators for the load of wastewater. High ammonium often refers to a bad situation regarding oxygen while high nitrite indicates the first oxidation for wastewater through microbiological processes. The low-flow action has a serious impact on drinking water source. A high content of ammonium has delayed coagulation, enhanced algae growth, and prevented the breakpoint being reached during chlorination processes. Potential management options to deal with water scarcity and low-flow, meanwhile reducing the contaminant load in the source drinking water were proposed.

Community finance and promotion of Managed Aquifer Recharge systems affect uptake and sustainability as a potable water source in southwest coastal Bangladesh: A qualitative study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fosiul A. Nizame ◽  
Fosiul Alam Nizame ◽  
Md. Abu Naser ◽  
Afsana Sharmin ◽  
Tania Jahir ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Drinking Water ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Saline Water ◽  
Water Source ◽  
Managed Aquifer Recharge ◽  
Water Infiltration ◽  
Drinking Water Source ◽  
Primary Concern ◽  
Aquifer Recharge

Abstract Background In the south-western coastal region of Bangladesh ground water, normally used for drinking, is excessively saline. Increased salinity in drinking water can have a range of adverse health impacts. Managed aquifer recharge (MAR) systems, which infiltrate rainwater and fresh pond water into aquifers, are adaptive strategies to deliver low-saline water to the affected communities. Several MAR systems have been piloted in these regions. The MAR pilot study demonstrated the potential for increasing freshwater availability and sustainable year-round drinking water supplies. The objective of this study was to identify MAR system management shortcomings and strengths to provide recommendations that are applicable for future MAR systems and engineering driven water management methods in low-income countries.Methods A qualitative study among the 18 pilot MAR communities with access to MAR systems since 2010 was conducted to assess perceptions of drinking MAR water and usage patterns. We conducted in-depth interviews (24), key informant interviews (2) and focus group discussions (3).Results More than half (13) of the respondents reported that drinking saline water causes diarrhea, dysentery, gastritis, digestive or abdominal disorders none described impact on blood pressure. More than two thirds (13/18) of current MAR users reported MAR as their preferred drinking water source. Almost half (11) reported that they were familiar with MAR but don’t understand how it works. A majority of respondents (17) considered MAR water safe because they thought there are no germs present. Nonetheless, respondents mentioned several problems including dissatisfaction with water quality (salinity/iron/smell/dirt in the water), and management (MAR sites found locked for most of the day). MAR installation and management staff and technical supervisors and caretakers thought that water quality was hampered by irregular water infiltration. They reported that management and maintenance issues were their primary concern, which were impeded by limited funds, as users do not pay regularly.Conclusions Though there is a demand for drinking water from MAR systems, the concerns about management related to finance, in addition to the amount collected are the greatest threat to system functionality and sustainability, which requires community-based solutions that will provide regular oversight and maintenance.

Emerging Potable Water Technologies

2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 113 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anuradha Baghel ◽  
Beer Singh
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Drinking Water ◽  
Potable Water ◽  
Water Quality Management ◽  
Biological Weapons ◽  
Chemical Contamination ◽  
Chemical Safety ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Public Health Authorities ◽  
Ultra Filtration

Water is essential to keep up life, especially safe drinking water is one of the first priorities. As water quality is important, many nations endeavor to guard the water and to increase access to potable water. Fortification of water supplies from contamination is the earliest stripe of defence. Water purification is very important aspect, presently there are number of drinking water technologies available mostly based on ion exchange, ultra filtration and reverse osmosis techniques, but still about five million people die annually from water born diseases. The objective of this review is to provide direction on the chemical safety of drinking-water and also monitoring of chemicals in drinking-water. Water treatment potential technologies can solve diverse drinking water issues in case of chemical contamination, which is the second objective. The purpose of this review is to make survey of currently available and future emerging technologies for drinking water. Several purification techniques have been adopted to meet the standards. There is a necessity of wide-ranging global approach to tackle the problem of water pollution devastating thousand of lives annually rather than to develop nuclear and biological weapons. This document will also be useful to public health authorities, those responsible for setting standards and for surveillance of drinking-water quality, and to water supply agencies responsible for water quality management.

scholarly journals Holy springs and holy water: underestimated sources of illness?

2012 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 349-357 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander K. T. Kirschner ◽  
Michael Atteneder ◽  
Angelika Schmidhuber ◽  
Sonja Knetsch ◽  
Andreas H. Farnleitner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Drinking Water ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Water Quality Management ◽  
Water Source ◽  
Drinking Water Source ◽  
Religious Activities ◽  
Source Of Infection ◽  
Holy Water ◽  
High Concentrations

Use of holy springs and holy water is inherent in religious activities. Holy spring water is also used extensively for personal drinking water, although not assessed according to drinking water standards. Holy water in churches and chapels may cause infections via wetting of lips and sprinkling on persons. Our aim was to assess the microbiological and chemical water quality of holy springs and holy water in churches and hospital chapels. Of the holy springs investigated, only 14% met the microbiological and chemical requirements of national drinking water regulations. Considering results from sanitary inspections of the water catchments, no spring was assessed as a reliable drinking water source. All holy water samples from churches and hospital chapels showed extremely high concentrations of HPC; fecal indicators, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus occurred only in the most frequently visited churches. We conclude that it is highly necessary to include holy springs in programs for assessment and management of water quality. Public awareness has to be raised to perceive holy springs as potential sources of illness. Holy water can be another source of infection, especially in hospital chapels and frequently visited churches. Recommendations are made for proper water quality management of both water types.

Socio-economic activities around Alau Dam and the quality of raw water supply to Maiduguri Treatment Plant, Nigeria

2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 386-391 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. N. Dammo ◽  
A. Y. Sangodoyin
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Water Treatment ◽  
Water Supply ◽  
Potable Water ◽  
Treatment Plant ◽  
Quality Analysis ◽  
Raw Water ◽  
Economic Activities ◽  
The Impact

Water quality and supply are central to the socio-economic development of any nation. Scarcity of potable water results in the construction of dams and water treatment plants. Unfortunately, provision of potable water through improvement and treatment may prove to be difficult because of the socio-economic activities around a dam. This study is aimed at assessing the socio-economic activities around the Alau Dam Maiduguri, and how they affect the quality of raw water supply to Maiduguri Water Treatment Plant. The data was generated through the administration of questionnaires, and by interview and water quality analysis of dam and irrigation sites. The samples were subjected to physical, chemical and biological analysis to assess the impact of socio economic activities on the dam water, and its suitabilityfor drinking and agricultural uses. Findings reveal pollution with high concentration of nitrate (260–230 mg-NO3/l), phosphate (22–28 mg/l) and Escherichia coli (13–24 n/100 mg). This arose from improper sanitary management, inadequate public education on irrigation,indiscriminate waste disposaland some farming practices. Regular monitoring of socio-economic activities around the dam, and doing away with unhealthy waste disposal practices are recommended to safeguard the raw water supply to the treatment plant.

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