A concise review of the standard treatment
technologies used to achieve compliance with
the Stage 2 Disinfectants/Disinfection
Byproducts Rule (D/DBPR), along with their
respective advantages and disadvantages, is
presented in this article. Capital and operating
cost estimates for D/DBPR compliance, first
released in 2005 by the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, are updated.
As many utilities have found, switching to
a disinfectant other than chlorine may be
effective in limiting regulated disinfection byproducts,
but it can also create new DBPs
whose effects are not well known or understood.
Treatment technologies that remove
the source of the byproducts, although more
expensive, may prove to be the better alternative -
especially when the additional contaminant
removal often required in addition
to the reduction of DBPs is factored into
the equation.
By implementing organic matter removal
technologies, a water utility can best achieve
Stage 2 D/DBPR compliance without creating
additional problems in the treated water and
will likely achieve additional benefits in terms
of improved water quality. This article can
help utilities prepare for technology selection
as well as future treatment needs and budgeting
of expenses. Includes 15 references, tables.