The effect of blending different water qualities on distribution system water quality was
investigated in this field study. Waters produced from five different treatment systems; aeration
(G1), NF (G4), CSF-O3-GAC (S1), IMS (CSF-NF, or S2) and high pressure reverse osmosis (RO) were blended
and distributed to 18 different pilot distribution systems (PDS). G1, G4, and RO source waters
were taken from the same groundwater. The RO source was augmented with salts to simulate
seawater. The S1and S2 source waters were taken from the same surface water. The PDSs
consist of PVC, galvanized, lined ductile iron and cast iron pipes taken from existing distribution
systems and had a 5-day HRT. Chloramines were added to meet CT and residual requirements.
AOC, BDOC, HPC are measures of suspended biological activity. PEPA measures attached film
bioactivity.
The S2 and G4 AOC are essentially equal, but the RO AOC is reduced and less than
other treatments. S1 and S2 AOCs are equal. PDS biostability order is G1<G4=S1=S2<RO.
During the wet season, raw surface water TOC increased significantly, and S1 AOC was also
increased. BDOC was not correlated to HPCs and BDOC sensitivity was not adequate to assess
biostability among treatments. PDS nitrification occurred in June and July 02 as the result of a
loss of residual at 25oC to 30 oC and pH 7.8 to 8.3. During nitrification, the HPC values
increased significantly, D. O. decreased; nitrification was nearly complete, which provided a
carbon source for heterotrophs as the system became microaerophilic. AOC and Pepa assessment
of biostability indicated HP RO increased biostability of finished water, but NF did not improve
biostability relative to advanced surface water treatment at normal conditions. NF did improve
biostability during the wet season. Includes 19 references, tables, figures.