Backwash water chemistry can have significant
detrimental effects on filtered water quality under
some circumstances. Water utilities experiencing
adverse backwash water chemistry can significantly
improve water quality, protect public health, and help
ensure regulatory compliance by applying the information
set forth in this article.
Depending on the treatment conditions, delayed start
and backwash water chemistry can range from playing a
large role to having no effect on filtered water quality.
Indeed, delayed start has been known to work well at
some locations and not at others. In this article, the
authors explain the details of why this technique may or
may not be effective and how to evaluate what methods
are most effective at a particular facility. Using this
article's insights, some water suppliers will be able to
make minor operational changes that will significantly
improve filtered water quality at their facilities. Includes 27 references, figures.