In this research, 27 waters were obtained from
utilities across the United States (3 for each of the 9
elements in the 3 ¿¿ 3 enhanced coagulation matrix of
the Disinfectants/Disinfection Byproducts Rule) in
order to evaluate how the waters responded to coagulation
and chlorination. The objectives of this work
were to: reinforce findings and improve on limitations
associated with an earlier analysis of the Information
Collection Rule database; investigate the
susceptibility of the waters to removal of organic matter
by enhanced coagulation; and, evaluate the
removal of total organic halide (TOX) precursors and
relate this behavior to the specific ultraviolet
absorbance (SUVA) of the raw water.
Results demonstrated that SUVA can be used by
utilities to determine the amenability of source water
organic material to removal by coagulation. Recognition
of the value of SUVA by utilities and legislators
could assist in defining more appropriate and achievable
treatment strategies in the future. Includes 30 references, tables, figures.