Showing papers in "Journal American Water Works Association in 1970"

Applying bacteriological parameters to recreational water quality

Abstract: fall, contamination that might be associated with vegetation could enter surface waters by way of stormwater drainage.5 The few fecal coliforms that have been detected on vegetation are derived from animal manure or night soil used as fertilizers, or by contact with contaminated insect pollinators and agricultural pests.6 Insects that spend part of their life cycle associated with animal dung may be expected to transmit variable numbers of fecal coliforms in low densities. Conversely, fish, vegetation, and soil in remote regions rarely contain any fecal coliforms and the few occurrences are probably related to random contamination from wild life. Typical fecal coliform densities that would be expected to be present in soil and on insects and vegetation are shown in Fig. 3. Nonaerogenic Growths at 44.5 °C

Survey of community water supply systems

Abstract: lected to give examples of the several types of water supplies in the country. A whole Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area (SMSA) was the basis of each survey, except in Region I where the entire State of Vermont was included, with evaluations made on all public water supply systems, as defined herein, in each study area. This coverage allowed an assessment of the drinking water quality of the large central city, the suburbs, and the smaller communities located in the counties in the SMSA, and the interaction between them.

The solubility of ferrous iron in carbonate-bearing waters

Abstract: UNDER natural waters, reducing as in conditions the bottoms in natural waters, as in the bo oms of lakes under conditions of stagnation and in most groundwaters, the stable form of iron is ferrous iron in the + 11 oxidation state. In waters free of dissolved carbon dioxide, the solubility of Fe(II) is controlled by solid ferrous hydroxide, Fe(OH)2, as shown in Fig. 1. (Table 1 gives the pertinent equilibrium data used in constructing the solubility diagram.) In natural groundwaters, alkalinities often exceed 5 X 10~3 eq/1 (4). Fig. 2 indicates that, for a water containing 5 X 10~3 moles/1 of total carbonic species Cr*, the solubility of Fe(II) is markedly influenced by the formation of ferrous carbonate, FeCC>3. It is immediately evident that at pH values below 10.5, ferrous carbonate controls the concentration of Fe(II) in solution. The equilibrium constant for the reaction

Adsorption of copper by clay minerals, humic acid and bottom muds

Abstract: ducted in a volume of 100 ml The materials were weighed into flasks and solutions of varying concentrations of Cu as CuS04-5H20 were added The systems were shaken by hand several times and allowed to stand overnight The next morning the solutions were filtered and the clear supernatant liquid was analyzed for Cu by means of an atomic absorption spectrophotometer In studies dealing with Cu adsorption and retention by pond sediments, Schaedel pond and Adelphia pond sediments were available from previous studies, but it was necessary to collect the sediment from Carnegie Lake The latter was kept in the moist state prior to treatment while the former two were in the air-dried state Six 500-gram portions of sediment from the Schaedel and Adelphia ponds were weighed and placed in one-gallon glass containers This procedure was also followed with Carnegie Lake samples except that 750-gram portions were weighed out in the wet state, which proved to be the equivalent of 135 grams of dry material Two liters of tap water were added to the containers, and the copper sulfate treatments were begun Each sediment was represented by three control jars and three jars receiving Cu The Cu was added weekly over a five-week period as follows: 1, 1, 2, 2, and 2 ppm CuS04*5H20, for a total of 4 mgm Cu per jar The supernatant liquid was tested weekly just prior to the addition of more Cu and was found to

Removal of viruses from water by chemical coagulation and flocculation

Abstract: ther, although evidence is meager, it may be assumed that enteric viruses and other possible causative agents of viral gastroenteritis can be transmitted by drinking water.2 Although the process of chemical coagulation and flocculation has been used for many years in the treatment of water supplies, little is known of the basic physico-chemical principles involved in the removal of viruses by this unit process. There have been a number of studies made to determine the magnitude or effectiveness of virus removal by coagulation and flocculation ; removals ranging from less than 25 up to 99.9 per cent have been reported.8 As for the removal mechanism involved, it has been postulated that a coagulant metal ion-virus protein complex is formed as a result of the initial inter-

Coagulation testing: a comparison of techniques—part ii

Abstract: NUMEROUS settling experiments preliminary were jar-test consettling experiments were conducted to screen the variables involved in studies on the coagulation of silica with alum. Although several variables, including temperature (25C) and velocity gradients during mixing and coagulation, were held constant, four variables, namely pH, alum, concentration, alkalinity, and initial silica concentration, were examined as independent variables during the preliminary studies. Variations of results due to changes in the alkalinity over the SO mg/1 to 150 mg/1 range studied were negligible when careful control of constant pH was exercised. Changes in the initial silica concentration over

Biological problems encountered in water supplies

Abstract: ORGANISMS have been known that to may cause, cause, probor have be n known to cause, problems in water supplies include several species of algae, protozoa,' and diatoms that produce tastes and odors and clog filters ; iron bacteria that produce tastes and odors and clog pipes; copepods whose eggs pass through filters, very small nematode worms ; sowbugs in the distribution system; midge larvae or bloodworms; and snails and molluscs. There may be present in surface waters various types of organisms, both plant and animal, which vary in complexity and size. They are uncommon or absent in groundwater supplies not stored in uncovered reservoirs, but are common and widespread in surface waters. Perhaps none of the organisms found in surface waters that may be used for domestic purposes are injurious to health. The chief complaints against them are interferences with filtration or other water treat-

Studies relating to water mineralization and health

Abstract: IN disease RECENT (CHD) years, has coronary accounted heart for disease ( HD) has accounted for about 29 per cent of all deaths in the United States and continues to rank as the nation's leading killer.1 There are many students of the disease who believe that there is truly an epidemic of CHD in progress in most of the more developed countries. The magnitude of the problem is such that any research which sheds even a glimmer of light on factors affecting the development of this disease may have vast implications in terms of world health. With this in mind, the authors have reviewed the research of the past decade pertinent to the hypothesis that there is a factor in drinking water influencing the course of CHD and other cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Effect of sulfate and other ions in coagulation with aluminum(iii)

Abstract: ALUMINUM erally recognized SULFATE as a more is effecgenerally recognized as a more effective coagulant than aluminum nitrate. As described by Peterson and Bartow,1 and again by Black, Rice, and Bartow,2 sulfate has the effect of broadening the pH range of coagulation to the acid side. In a previous study, the present authors3 investigated the coagulation of the Gram negative bacterium Escherichia coli by aluminum nitrate. Changes in turbidity during settling were used as an indication of aggregation and the entire aluminum nitrate concentration-pH "domain of stability" for the coagulation of the organisms was established. As with other salts the coagulation of E. coli was found to be strongly dependent upon the solution pH and the applied concentration of hydrolyzing coagulant. Since nitrate is at best a very weak coordinator with aluminum the results were assumed to be due only to hydrogen ions and Als+ and its hydrolysis products. Sulfate more strongly coordinates aluminum and, therefore, its reactions in an aluminum system would be expected to have a significant effect. The purpose of the work described in this paper was to investigate systematically the coagulation of the same variant of E. coli by aluminum sulfate under the same experimental conditions as reported for the nitrate salt. Again, critical pH and concentration values were determined and used to establish the entire stability domain. The effects of phosphate, carbonate and excess sulfate and nitrate, added as the sodium salts, were also investigated to give as complete a treatment as possible. Since

Virus removal by coagulation with polyelectrolytes.

Abstract: 1. Bacteriophage T2 of Esch. coli strain B at a concentration of 106-107 plaque forming units (PFU) per ml. 2. Type 1 poliovirus (Sabin) at a concentration of 3-7 X 104 PFU/ml. Procedures for the production and plaque assay of the bacteriophage were as described by Thayer and Sproul.2 The poliovirus was grown and harvested in LLC-MK2 (Hull) continuous monkey kidney cells.* The concentration and purification procedure was previously described by Wentworth et al* The plaque assays were done using LLC-MK2 cells and the procedure of Nakano and Gelfand.4

PREVENTING IRON DEPOSITION WITH SODIUM SILICeATE

Abstract: nomical method of removing the iron (and manganese). Once pilot testing had indicated the best method, the problems were not always resolved. Sometimes the method of removal required an expenditure of funds that the municipality felt it could not afford to spend. Even a simple aeration plant could cost $200,000 per mgd (Imp) as a capital investment. Some municipalities in the position of using a water supply on a temporary basis could not justify a capital expenditure for an abbreviated period of equipment operation. For these reasons, iron and manganese problems came under study by the commission in a research aspect. By accumulating literature searches, laboratory studies, and pilot plant observations, and encouraging staff specialization, a potential for making progress on such problems gradually developed. In attempts to classify well water supplies according to their expected difficulties of iron removal, it was noted that a number of such waters had a very high silica content. Waters with 30 or 40 mg/1 Si02 often released very little of their iron content on either

Water for the west

Abstract: PART are based of the on remarks the National in this Water paper are bas d on the atio al ater Resources Council report: "The Nation's Water Resources The First National Assessment." For two reasons these remarks will be limited to the Pacific slope part of the West. Water problems in this area are extensive enough for consideration and familiarity with this part of the West is extensive. Most of this area is semiarid and so

Watershed human‐use level and water quality

Abstract: quality of water flowing from protected watersheds was scant, the Washington State Department of Health, in the spring of 1965, requested the USPHS to study this question Three watersheds in the northwestern part of the United States were chosen for this study These watersheds were conveniently located near the Northwest Water Hygiene Laboratory at Purdy, Washington, had sufficient access roads to facilitate the on-site study activities, and had differences in level of human use The Cedar River watershed was well protected, the Green River watershed was open for limited recreational use, and the Clackamas River watershed was completely open for access and recreation

Movement of bacteria from a river to a municipal well—a case history

Abstract: THE so Endicott, called because N.Y. "Stable the EndicottWell," so calle because the E dicottJohnson Corp. horse barns had once been located nearby, is 90 ft deep, finished with slotted concrete casing from 34 to 79 ft, and is located 180 ft from the Susquehanna River. The well produces from beds of coarse sand and gravel from 10 to 80 ft below land surface. From 1945 through 1964 it was in daily use, with only ocasional interruptions due to equipment failure, supplying 1.0 to 1.6 mgd of water of excellent sanitary quality. In December 1964, coliform bacteria were detected in routine weekly water samples from the Stable Well. The well was promptly taken out of service, and various tests and treatments were undertaken to locate and, if possible, eliminate the source of the bacteria. In February 1966, the 150-hp turbine pump was removed, but pumping was continued intermittently through 1968 with a 10-hp submersible pump. During this period, coliform bacteria were detected in more

Small quantity field disinfection

Abstract: THERE water disinfection are many occasions must be when pracater disinfecti n must e prac ticed on a small scale and under adverse conditions. The need for a ready-to-use disinfectant is greatest during military operations or at times of natural disasters when small groups of people or even individuals have to depend upon sources of water which might be contaminated. Even during peace time, campers, sportsmen and adventurers have need for a packaged, instant-disinfectant such as a tablet. This need was first recognized more than 50 years ago.1 However, only a few preparations, usually containing either iodine or chlorine, were in use at the beginning of the Second World War. At that time a team of scientists and engineers conducted an extensive investigation at Harvard University under a contract with the Committee on Medical Research of the Office of Scientific Research and Development. The Harvard researchers 2 listed the following desirable properties of chemical disinfecting agents which are intended for use under field conditions :

A corrosion inhibitor process for domestic water

Abstract: The inhibitor is designed for use by water treatment plants to control the corrosion of both municipal and domestic water plumbing systems. When it is applied to a corrosive water, it passivates the surface of a metal because it lays down a controlled film of insoluble zinc phosphate. The process will protect the common metals against various types of corrosive waters ranging from aerated soft meteorological to high total dissolved solid water supplies.

Annual temperature variations in an impoundment in central illinois

Abstract: IT ment is well of known water alters that the its impoundphysical, ment of water alters its physical, chemical, and biological characteristics. Sanitary engineering literature contains many detailed reports on the effects of impoundments on various aspects of water quality.1"4 Among the quality characteristics of impounded waters, temperature is probably one of the most significant and widely measured property. Most of the physical properties are functions of temperature. Following closely on the heels of temperature variation in water is the physical phenomenon of increasing density with decreasing temperature, up to a certain point. Together, these two interrelated forces are capable of creating, within a reservoir, strata of water of vastly differing characteristics. The primary aim of this report is to present quantitatively, employing harmonic analysis techniques, the annual variations in temperature at different depths and at different stations in a water supply impoundment in central Illinois. The literature on temperature effects in the aquatic environment is voluminous and several specific and detailed studies have been directed towards the response of fish life to temperature changes. It is well known that the saturation concentration of DO decreases and the reaeration rate increases, with an increase in temperature. The increase in raw water temperature has beneficial effects in one area that being the reduction of the cost of water treatment. Studies have indicated that the cost of chemicals necessary to coagulate and treat water effectively can be reduced to the extent that there is a savings of $0.30 to $0.50 in treatment costs per mil gal for each 10 F rise in temperature.5 The effectiveness of chlorination and

Quality improvements by reservoir aeration

Abstract: LAFAYETTE storage lake Reservoir used on a is nonscheda standby storage lake used on a nonscheduled basis in the distribution system of East Bay Water. Prior to 1962, withdrawals had been made from this reservoir on an average of about once a year, usually occurring in the heavy demand period. Because consumer taste and odor complaints occurred whenever this source was used, it was necessary to blend it with the district's major supply which is the high quality Mokelumne River. In an effort to

Particulate removal on coated filter media

Abstract: DIATOMITE in water filtration filter to aids increase are used filin ter filtra ion to increase filtration speed. Diatomite is added to the water to be filtered as a body feed ; it is removed with the suspended solids as a filter cake, and in the correct proportions it makes the filter cake more pervious to water flow. To function efficiently as a filter aid, enough diatomite must be used so that the diatomite particles make contact with each other and the entrapped suspended solids only partially fill the voids. In a given filtration application, the coarsest grade of diatomite that will provide the desired quality of filtered water is used. Since the diatomite fil-

Polyelectrolyte conditioning of alum sludges

Abstract: ALTHOUGH of water treatment the pollution plant potential wastes of water t eatment plan wastes has historically been questioned by many people, the current efforts toward enhanced water quality management have resulted in a general recognition by the water utility industry that proper techniques for water plant sludge treatment and disposal must be developed. While it is apparent that much of the material in water plant wastes is the solids that were originally present in the raw water, these wastes are definitely pollutants, since the solids have been concentrated many times. The direct discharge of water treatment plant sludges to surface streams may inhibit biological activity due to the smothering action of settled materials, as well as the toxicity associated with metallic ions used in the coagulation process. Since the solids produced are light, flocculent, and easily stirred by current action, they may produce esthetically objectionable conditions.

Sodium imbalance in drinking water

Abstract: THERE the quality is a of continuous the waters decline of the in of the waters f the Santa Ana River (Santa Ana, Calif.). The waters come through Prado Dam and enter an underground water basin which serves 60 per cent of the population of Orange County, Calif. Total dissolved solids of the natural inflow to the basin from the Santa Ana River as measured at Prado show that total dissolved solids increased from 600 ppm in 1950 to as high as 900 ppm in 1965. During heavy rainy seasons, sewage treatment facilities may be damaged by flooding. Under these conditions, contamination of the surface run-off is inevitable. There is usually some concern about contamination of the underground basin but, to date, that has never happened to the Lower Santa Ana River Basin. Thus the Orange County Water District (OCWD) has been able to devote a major effort to the study of the progressive degradation of the underground water basin due to chemical and other industrial activities in the Upper Santa Ana River Basin. The OCWD's concern is shared also by the Santa Ana River Basin Regional Water Quality Control Board (SARBRWQCB), a state agency with responsibilities to set standards of water quality, to identify changes in water quality, to coordinate the efforts of various agencies to improve water quality and, if necessary, to require corrections.

Effect of solid waste disposal on ground water quality

Abstract: The cities will be strangling in their own rubbish if new, effective, and economic methods of collection, transportation, and disposal are not formulated. Municipal solid wastes are generated at the rate of about seven pounds per capita per day. Americans in a year are disposing of 7 mil automobiles, 26 bil bottles, 48 bil cans, 30 mil tons of paper, and 4 mil tons of plastics. Garbage, paper, even many metals in time can be broken down by natural action. But many materials discarded are not susceptible to such action. Plastics, for example, have an indefinite life span. Right now 3 per cent of all packaging material is plastic, and the percentage is growing. In an effort to reduce litter and enhance our environment, attention is being given to using and developing products, especially containers, which are more easily disposable made of materials readily broken down by bacterial or other action. It is the products of this decomposition which can, if in contact with ground water, cause a degradation of water quality. The potential pollution of ground waters by the products of sanitary landfill refuse decomposition is a problem faced by many large communities in California. Uncontrolled dumping still occurs. Many of these dump sites are in or tributary to areas overlying ground water basins. Ground water basins supply more than half the total water developed for use in California and are of prime importance to the economy of the state. Accordingly, the California State Department of Water Resources undertook a study with the objective of developing plans for protecting the ground water basins from possible impairment by refuse that has been disposed of in sanitary landfills. Before plans can be formulated, however, the production and movement of leachates and gases in various types of landfills must be thoroughly understood. The objective of the first phase of the department's study was to summarize some of the work that has been conducted to determine the effects of