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Principal Surface Water Treatment Operator Exam
Advanced Surface Water Treatment notes/flashcards for preparation for the Class 1/ Senior Surface Water Treatment Operator Certificate awarded in the state of Georgia
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Graduate
10/07/2023

Additional Other Flashcards

 


 

Cards

Term
Categories/Classes of the U.S. EPA National Primary Drinking Water Contaminants 
Definition

Microorganisms-  microscopic plants and animals 

 

Disinfectants- are chemical substances or compounds used to inactivate or destroy microorganisms 

 

Disinfection Byproducts-(DBPs) are chemicals that form when disinfectants react with inorganic or organic matter. Common DBPs in drinking water include: Chlorate, Chlorite, Bromate, Trihalomethanes (THMs, Haloacetic acids. 

 

Inorganic Chemicalsare chemicals that contain no carbon. They have unique characteristics, including: 

  • High boiling and melting points
  • Rigid structures
  • Water solubility

Examples: 

Ammonia: A colorless gas with a pungent smell

Hydrochloric acid: Composed of hydrogen and chlorine

Sulfuric acid: A highly corrosive acid that is soluble in water

Sodium chloride: An inorganic compound

Calcium carbonate: An inorganic compound

 

Organic Chemicals- are chemical compounds that contain carbon as part of their molecular structure. They can be either natural or synthetic. Organic chemicals are defined by diverse physical properties such as: Odor, Solubility, Density, Melting point, Boiling point.

 

Organic Chemicals can be:

 

  • Hydrocarbons
  • Oxygen and hydroxy compounds (alcohols, aldehydes, carboxylic acids, ketones)
  • Nitrogen compounds (amines, amides, nitro compounds, nitriles)
  • Sulfur compounds (alkanethiolates, sulfates)
  • Phosphorus compounds (phosphates, phosphines)
  • Organometallic compounds (ferrocene)

Radionuclides- are radioactive chemicals that emit radiation. They are also known as radioactive isotopes, radioisotopes, or radioactive nuclides. 

 

 
 

 

 
 
 
Term
Contaminants Listed on the U.S. EPA National Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards
Definition

Microorganisms-

  • Crytosporidium
  • Guiardia Lamblia
  • Heterotrophic Plate Count (HPC)(not an individual microorganism, but related to microorganisms because HPC is an analytic method used to measure the variety of bacteria that are common in water)
  • Legionella
  • Total Coliforms (including fecal coliform and E. coli)
  • Turbidity (is a measure of the cloudiness of water (the higher the turbidity of the water, the higher the incidence of disease-causing microorganisms being present in the water)
  • Viruses (enteric [relating to or occurring in the intestines])

Disinfection Byproducts 

  • Bromate
  • Chlorite 
  • Haloacetic acids (HAA5)
  • Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs)

Disinfectants 

  • Chloramines (as Cl2)
  • Chlorine (as Cl2)
  • Chlorine Dioxide (ClO2)

Inorganic Chemicals 

  • Antimony
  • Arsenic 
  • Asbestos (fiber > 10 micrometers)
  • Barium 
  • Beryllium
  • Cadmium
  • Chromium (total)
  • Copper
  • Cyanide (as free cyanide)
  • Fluoride
  • Lead
  • Mercury (inorganic)
  • Nitrate (measured as Nitrogen)
  • Nitrite (measured as Nitrogen) 
  • Selenium Thallium

Organic Chemicals 

  • Acrylamide 
  • Alachlor 
  • Atrazine 
  • Benzene 
  • Benzo(a)pyrene (PAHs)
  • Cabofuran
  • Carbon tetrachloride 
  • Chloradane
  • Chlorobenzene 
  • 2,4-D
  • Dalapon
  • 1,2-Dibromo-3-chloropropane (DBCP)
  • o-Dicholorobenzene
  • p-Dichlorobenzene 
  • 1,2-Dichloroethane 
  • 1,1-Dichlorenthylene 
  • trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene 
  • Dichloromethane 
  • 1,2-Dichloropropane 
  • Di(2ethylhexyl) adipate
  • Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate
  • Dinoseb
  • Dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD)
  • Diquat
  • Endothall
  • Endrin 
  • Epichlorhydrin
  • Ethylbenzene
  • Ethylene dibromide
  • Glyphosate 
  • Heptachlor 
  • Heptachlor epoxide 
  • Hexachlorobenzene 
  • Hexachlorocyclopentadiene 
  • Lindane 
  • Methoxychlor 
  • Oxamyl (Vydate)
  • Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
  • Pentachlorophenol 
  • Picloram 
  • Simazine 
  • Styrene 
  • Tetrachlorenthylene 
  • Toluene 
  • Toxaphene 
  • 2,4,5-TP (Silvex)
  • 1,1,1-Trichloroethane 
  • 1,1,2-Trichlorenthane 
  • Vinyl Chloride
  • Xylenenes (totals)

Radionuclides 

  • Alpha particles 
  • Beta particles and photon emitters 
  • Radium 226 and Radium 228 (combined)
  • Uranium 

 

Term

Microorganisms:

Cryptosporidium Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: zero mg/l

MCL: TT (treatment technology available and cost-prohibitive use aligned in setting contaminant level as close as possible to MCLG)

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: gastrointestinal illness (e.g., diarrhea, vomiting, cramps)

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: human and fecal animal waste 

Term

Microorganisms: 

Giardia Lambia Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: zero mg/l

MCL: TT (treatment technology available and cost-prohibitive use aligned in setting contaminant level as close as possible to MCLG)

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: gastrointestinal illness (e.g., diarrhea, vomiting, cramps)

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: human and fecal animal waste 

Term

Microorganisms:

Heterotrophic Plate Count Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: n/a

MCL: TT (treatment technology available and cost-prohibitive use aligned in setting contaminant level as close as possible to MCLG)

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: HPC has no health effects; it is an anylitic method used to measure the variety of bacteria that are common in water. The lower the concentration of bacteria in drinking water, the better maintained the water system is. 

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: HPC measures a range of bacteria that are naturally present in the environment. 

Term

Microorganisms:

Legionella Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: zero mg/l

MCL: TT (treatment technology available and cost-prohibitive use aligned in setting contaminant level as close as possible to MCLG)

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: Legionnaire's Disease, a type of pneumonia

Sources of Contaminants in Drinking Water: found naturally in water, it multiplies in heating systems.

Term

Microorganisms:

Total Coliforms (including fecal coliform and E. coli) Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: zero

MCL: 5.0%

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: not a health threat in itself; it is used to indicate whether other potentially harmful bacteria may be present.

 

Sources of Contaminants in Drinking Water: Coliforms are naturally present in the environment, as well as feces; fecal coliforms and E. coli only come from human and animal fecal waste.

Term

Microorganisms:

Turbidity Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: n/a

 MCL: TT (treatment technology available and cost-prohibitive use aligned in setting contaminant level as close as possible to MCLG)

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: Turbidity is a measure of the cloudiness of water. It is used to indicate water quality and filtration effectiveness (e.g., whether disease-causing organisms are present). Higher turbidity levels are often associated with higher levels of disease-causing microorganisms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches.

Sources of Contaminants in Drinking Water: soil runoff 

Term

Microorganisms:

Viruses (enteric) [enteric means relating to or occurring in the intestines]

Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: zero

 MCL: TT (treatment technology available and cost-prohibitive use aligned in setting contaminant level as close as possible to MCLG)

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: gastrointestinal illness (e.g., diarrhea, vomiting, cramps)

Sources of Contaminants in Drinking Water: human and animal waste

Term

Disinfection Byproducts:

Bromate Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: zero

MCL: 0.010

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: increased risk of cancer

 

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: byproduct of drinking water disinfection

Term

Disinfection Byproducts:

Chlorite Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: 0.8

MCL: 1.0

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: Anemia; infants & young children; nervous system effects

 

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: byproduct of drinking water disinfection

Term

Disinfection Byproducts:

Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: n/a [dichloroacetic acid: (zero), trichloracetic acid (0.3 mg/l). Monochloroacetic acid, bromoacetic acid and dibromoacetic acid are regulated with this group, but has no MCLG.

MCL: 0.060

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: increased risk of cancer

 

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: byproduct of drinking water disinfection

Term

Disinfection Byproducts:

Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs) Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: n/a [dichloroacetic acid: (zero), trichloracetic acid (0.3 mg/l). Monochloroacetic acid, bromoacetic acid and dibromoacetic acid are regulated with this group, but has no MCLG. [MCLGs were not established before the 1986 amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act. Therefore, there is no MCLG for this contaminant.]

MCL: 0.080

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: Liver, kidney, or central nervous system problems; increased risk of cancer

 

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: byproduct of drinking water disinfection

 

Term

Disinfectants:

 

Chloramines (as CL2) Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: 4 mg/l

MCL: 4.0 mg/l

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: eye/nose irritation; stomach discomfort, anemia

 

 

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: Water additive used to control microbes

Term

Disinfectants:

 

 

Chlorine (as CL2) Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: 4 mg/l

MCL: 4.0 mg/l

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: eye/nose irritation; stomach discomfort, anemia  

 

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: Water additive used to control microbes

Term

Disinfectants:

 

 

Chlorine Dioxide (as CLO2) Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: 0.8 mg/l

MCL: 0.8 mg/l

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: anemia; infants & young children--nervous system effects  

 

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: Water additive used to control microbes

Term

Inorganic Chemicals:

 

Antimony Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

 

 

Definition

MCLG: 0.006 mg/l

MCL: 0.006 mg/l

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: Increase in blood cholesterol; decrease in blood sugar

 

 

 

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: Discharge from petroleum refineries; fire retardants; ceramics; electronics; solder

Term

Inorganic Chemicals:

 

Arsenic Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

 

Definition

MCLG: 0 mg/l

MCL:0.010 as of 01/23/06 mg/l

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: skin damage or problems with circulatory systems, and possible increased risk of getting cancer

 

 

 

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: erosion of natural deposits; runoff from orchards, runoff from glass & electronics production wastes

Term

Inorganic Chemicals:

 

 

Asbestos (fiber >10 micrometers) Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: 7 million fibers per liter

MCL: 7 MFL

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: increased risk of developing benign intestinal polyps

 

 

 

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: decay of asbestos cement in water mains; erosion of natural deposits

Term

Inorganic Chemicals:

 

 

Barium Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: 2 mg/l

MCL: 2 mg/l

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: increase in blood pressure

 

 

 

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: discharge of drilling wastes; discharge from metal refineries; erosion of natural deposits

Term

Inorganic Chemicals:

 

 

Beryllium Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: 0.004 mg/l

MCL: 0.004 mg/l

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: intestinal lesions

 

 

 

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: discharge from metal refineries and coal-burning factories; discharge from electrical, aerospace, and defense industries

Term

Inorganic Chemicals:

 

 

Cadmium Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: 0.005 mg/l

MCL: 0.005 mg/l

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: kidney damage

 

 

 

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: corrosion of galvanized pipes; erosion of natural deposits; discharge from metal refineries; runoff from waste batteries and paint

Term

Inorganic Chemicals:

 

Chromium (total) Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

 

Definition

MCLG: 0.1 mg/l

MCL: 0.1 mg/l

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: allergic dermatitis

 

 

 

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: discharge from steel and pulp mills; erosion of natural deposits

Term

Inorganic Chemicals:

 

Copper Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

 

Definition

MCLG: 1.3 mg/l

MCL: TT; Action Level = 1.3 mg/l

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: [short-term exposure: Gastrointestinal distress, long-term exposure: Liver or kidney damage, People with Wilson's Disease should consult their personal doctor if the amount of copper in their water exceeds the action level

 

 

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: Corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of natural deposits

Term

Inorganic Chemicals:

 

Cyanide (as free cyanide) Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

 

Definition

MCLG: 0.2 mg/l

MCL: 0.2 mg/l

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: nerve damage or thyroid problems

 

 

 

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: Discharge from steel/metal factories; discharge from plastic and fertilizer factories

Term

Inorganic Chemicals:

 

Fluoride Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

 

Definition

MCLG: 4.0 mg/l

MCL: 4.0 mg/l

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: bone disease (pain and tenderness of the bones); Children may get mottled teeth

 

 

 

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: Water additive that promotes strong teeth; erosion of natural deposits; discharge from fertilizer and aluminum factories

Term

Inorganic Chemicals:

 

Lead Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

 

Definition

MCLG: zero mg/l

MCL: TT; Action Level= 0.015 mg/l

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: infants and children: Delays in physical or mental development; children could show slight deficits in attention span and learning abilities, Adults: kidney problems; high blood pressure

 

 

 

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: Corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of natural deposits

Term

Inorganic Chemicals:

 

Mercury (inorganic) Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

 

Definition

MCLG: 0.002 mg/l

MCL: 0.002 mg/l

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: kidney damage

 

 

 

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: erosion of natural deposits; discharge from refineries and factories; runoff from landfills and croplands

Term

Inorganic Chemicals:

 

Nitrate (measured as Nitrogen) Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

 

Definition

MCLG: 10 mg/l

MCL: 10 mg/l

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: Infants below the age of six months who drink water containing nitrate in excess of the MCL could become seriously ill and, if untreated, may die. Symptoms include shortness of breath and blue-baby syndrome.

 

 

 

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: Runoff from fertilizer use; leaching from septic tanks, sewage; erosion of natural deposits

Term

Inorganic Chemicals:

 

Nitrite (measured as Nitrogen) Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

 

Definition

MCLG: 1 mg/l

MCL: 1 mg/l

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: Infants below the age of six months who drink water containing nitrite in excess of the MCL could become seriously ill and, if untreated, may die. Symptoms include shortness of breath and blue-baby syndrome.

 

 

 

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: Runoff from fertilizer use; leaching from septic tanks, sewage; erosion of natural deposits

Term

Inorganic Chemicals:

 

 

Selenium Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: 0.05 mg/l

MCL: 0.05 mg/l

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: hair or fingernail loss; numbness in fingers or toes; circulatory problems

 

 

 

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: Discharge from petroleum refineries; erosion of natural deposits; discharge from mines

Term

Inorganic Chemicals:

 

 

Thallium Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: 0.0005 mg/l

MCL: 0.002 mg/l

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: hair loss; changes in blood; kidney, intestine, or liver problems

 

 

 

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: Leaching from ore-processing sites; discharge from electronics, glass, and drug factories

Term

Organic Chemicals:

 

 

Acrylamide Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: zero mg/l

MCL: TT mg/l

*in this context: Each water system must certify, in writing, to the state (using third-party or manufacturer's certification) that when acrylamide and epichlorohydrin are used in drinking water systems, the combination (or product) of dose and monomer level does not exceed the levels specified, as follows:

  • acylamide= 0.05% dosed at 1 mg/l (or equivalent)
  • epichlorohydrin= 0.01% dosed at 20 mg/l (or equivalent)

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: nervous system or blood problems; increased risk of cancer

 

 

 

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: Added to water during sewage/ wastewater treatment

Term

Organic Chemicals:

 

 

Alachlor Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: zero mg/l

MCL: 0.002 mg/l

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: eye, liver, kidney, or spleen problems; anemia; increased risk of cancer

 

 

 

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: runoff from herbicide used on row crops

Term

Organic Chemicals:

 

 

Atrazine Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: 0.003 mg/l

MCL: 0.003 mg/l

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: cardiovascular system or reproductive problems

 

 

 

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: runoff from herbicide used on row crops

Term

Organic Chemicals:

 

 

Benzene Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: zero mg/l

MCL: 0.005 mg/l

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: anemia; decrease in blood platelets; increased risk of cancer

 

 

 

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: Discharge from factories; leaching from gas storage tanks and landfills

Term

Organic Chemicals:

 

 

Benzo(a)pyrene (PAHs) Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: zero mg/l

MCL: 0.0002 mg/l

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: reproductive difficulties; increased risk of cancer 

 

 

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: leaching from linings of water storage tanks and distribution lines

Term

Organic Chemicals:

 

 

Carbofuran Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: 0.04 mg/l

MCL: 0.04 mg/l

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: problems with blood, nervous system, or reproductive system

 

 

 

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: leaching of soil fumigant used on rice and alfalfa

Term

Organic Chemicals:

 

 

Carbon Tetrachloride Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: zero mg/l

MCL: 0.005 mg/l

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: liver problems, increased risk of cancer

 

 

 

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: discharge from chemical plants and other industrial activities

Term

Organic Chemicals:

 

Chlordane Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

 

 

Definition

MCLG: zero mg/l

MCL: 0.002 mg/l

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: liver or nervous system problems; increased risk of cancer

 

 

 

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: residue of banned termiticide (means any pesticide labeled, designed, or intended for use in preventing, destroying, repelling, or mitigating termites.)

Term

Organic Chemicals:

 

 

Chlorobenzene Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: 0.1 mg/l

MCL: 0.1 mg/l

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: liver or kidney problems

 

 

 

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: discharge from chemical and agricultural chemical factories

Term

Organic Chemicals:

 

 

2,4-D Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: 0.07 mg/l

MCL: 0.07 mg/l

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: kidney, liver, or adrenal gland problems

 

 

 

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: runoff from herbicide used on row crops

Term

Organic Chemicals:

 

Dalapon Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

 

 

Definition

MCLG: 0.2 mg/l

MCL: 0.2 mg/l

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: minor kidney changes

 

 

 

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: runoff from herbicide used on rights of way (a specific route through the grounds or property of another party)

*rights of way (general definition: the legal right, established by usage or grant, to pass along a specific route through grounds or property belonging to another. Rights of way can be established by an easement, which can specify the parameters of the easement or be a general right to pass over or through.)

 

From the Archived US EPA Consumer Fact Sheet on Dalapon: https://archive.epa.gov/water/archive/web/pdf/archived-consumer-fact-sheet-on-dalapon.pdf

 

"Dalapon is released directly to the environment in its use as a herbicide for the control of annual and perennial grasses. Domestic production of dalapon in 1982 ranged between 7 and 9 million lbs. active ingredient. In 1984, its use in California was reported as follows: Non-food use, 92.9% (mostly on rights of way); main food crop treated was sugarbeet (6.7% of total)."

 

***Dalapon's high usage as an herbicide for non-foods (mostly on rights of way) uniquely distinguishes how the chemical consequently becomes runoff that water treatment systems have to effectively combat to ensure their production of clean, aesthetically pleasing, potable water. ***

Term

Organic Chemicals:

 

 

1,2-Dibromo-3-chloropropane (DBCP) Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: zero mg/l

MCL: 0.0002 mg/l

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: reproductive difficulties; increased risk of cancer

 

 

 

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: runoff/leaching from soil fumigant used on soybeans, cotton, pineapples, and orchards

Term

Organic Chemicals:

 

 

o-Dichlorobenzene Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: 0.6 mg/l

MCL: 0.6 mg/l

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: liver, kidney, or circulatory system problems

  

 

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: discharge from industrial chemical factories

Term

Organic Chemicals:

 

p-Dichlorobenzene Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

 

 

Definition

MCLG: 0.075 mg/l

MCL: 0.075 mg/l

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: anemia; liver, kidney, or spleen damage; changes in blood 

  

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: discharge from industrial chemical factories

Term

Organic Chemicals:

 

1,2-Dichloroethane Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: zero mg/l

MCL: 0.005 mg/l

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: increased risk of cancer

  

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: discharge from industrial chemical factories

Term

Organic Chemicals:

 

1,1-Dichloroethylene Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: 0.007 mg/l

MCL: 0.007 mg/l

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: liver problems

  

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: discharge from industrial chemical factories

Term

Organic Chemicals:

 

cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: 0.07 mg/l

MCL: 0.07 mg/l

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: liver problems

  

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: discharge from industrial chemical factories

Term

Organic Chemicals:

 

trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: 0.1 mg/l

MCL: 0.1 mg/l

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: liver problems

  

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: discharge from industrial chemical factories

Term

Organic Chemicals:

 

Dichloromethane Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: zero mg/l

MCL: 0.005 mg/l

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: liver problems; increased risk of cancer

  

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: discharge from industrial chemical factories

Term

Organic Chemicals:

 

Dichloromethane Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: zero mg/l

MCL: 0.005 mg/l

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: liver problems; increased risk of cancer

  

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: discharge from drug and chemical factories

Term

Organic Chemicals:

 

1,2-Dichloropropane Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: zero mg/l

MCL: 0.005 mg/l

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: increased risk of cancer

  

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: discharge from industrial chemical factories

Term

Organic Chemicals:

 

Di(2-ethyhexyl) adipate Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: 0.4 mg/l

MCL: 0.4 mg/l

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: weight loss, liver problems, or possible reproductive difficulties

  

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: discharge from chemical factories

Term

Organic Chemicals:

 

Di(2-ethyhexyl) phthalate Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: zero mg/l

MCL: 0.006 mg/l

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: reproductive difficulties; liver problems; increased risk of cancer

  

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: Discharge from rubber and chemical factories

Term

Organic Chemicals:

 

Dinoseb Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: 0.007 mg/l

MCL: 0.007 mg/l

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: reproductive difficulties

  

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: runoff from herbicide used on soybeans and vegetables

Term

Organic Chemicals:

 

Dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD) Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: zero mg/l

MCL: 0.00000003 mg/l

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: reproductive difficulties; increased risk of cancer

  

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: emissions from waste incineration and other combustion; discharge from chemical factories

Term

Organic Chemicals:

 

Diquat Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: 0.02 mg/l

MCL: 0.02 mg/l

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: cataracts  

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: runoff from herbicide use

Term

Organic Chemicals:

 

Endothall Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: 0.1 mg/l

MCL: 0.1 mg/l

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: stomach and intestinal problems  

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: runoff from herbicide use

Term

Organic Chemicals:

 

Endrin Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: 0.002 mg/l

MCL: 0.002 mg/l

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: liver problems 

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: residue of banned insecticide

Term

Organic Chemicals:

 

Epichlorohydrin Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: zero mg/l

MCL: TT mg/l

*TT (in this context: Each water system must certify, in writing, to the state (using third-party or manufacturer's certification) that when acrylamide and epichlorohydrin are used in drinking water systems, the combination (or product) of dose and monomer level does not exceed the levels specified, as follows:

  • acylamide= 0.05% dosed at 1 mg/l (or equivalent)
  • epichlorohydrin= 0.01% dosed at 20 mg/l (or equivalent)

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: cataracts  

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: runoff from herbicide use

Term

Organic Chemicals:

 

Ethylbenzene Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: 0.7/l

MCL: 0.7 mg/l

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: liver or kidney problems 

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: discharge from petroleum refineries

Term

Organic Chemicals:

 

Ethylene dibromide Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: zero mg/l

MCL: 0.00005 mg/l

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: problems with liver, stomach, reproductive system, or kidneys; increased risk of cancer

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: discharge from petroleum refineries

Term

Organic Chemicals:

 

Glyphosate Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: 0.7 mg/l

MCL: 0.7 mg/l

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: kidney problems; reproductive difficulties

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: runoff from herbicide use

Term

Organic Chemicals:

 

Heptachlor Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: zero mg/l

MCL: 0.0004 mg/l

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: liver damage; increased risk of cancer 

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: residue of banned termiticide

Term

Organic Chemicals:

 

Heptachlor Epoxide Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: zero mg/l

MCL: 0.0002 mg/l

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: liver damage; increased risk of cancer 

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: breakdown of heptachlor

Term

Organic Chemicals:

 

Hexachlorobenzene Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: zero mg/l

MCL: 0.001 mg/l

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: liver or kidney problems; reproductive problems; increased risk of cancer 

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: discharge from metal refineries and agricultural chemical factories

Term

Organic Chemicals:

 

Hexachlorocyclopentadiene Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: 0.05 mg/l

MCL: 0.05 mg/l

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: kidney or stomach problems

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: discharge from chemical factories

Term

Organic Chemicals:

 

Lindane Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: 0.0002 mg/l

MCL: 0.0002 mg/l

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: liver or kidney problems

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: runoff/leaching from insecticide used on cattle, lumber, gardens

Term

Organic Chemicals:

 

Methoxychlor Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: 0.04 mg/l

MCL: 0.04 mg/l

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: reproductive difficulties

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: runoff/ leaching from insecticide used on fruits, vegetables, alfalfa, livestock

Term

Organic Chemicals:

 

Oxamyl (Vydate) Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: 0.2 mg/l

MCL: 0.2 mg/l

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: slight nervous system effects

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: runoff/leaching from insecticide used on apples, potatoes, and tomatoes

Term

Organic Chemicals:

 

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: zero mg/l

MCL: 0.0005 mg/l

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: skin changes; thymus gland problems; immune deficiencies; reproductive or nervous system difficulties; increased risk of cancer

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: runoff from landfills; discharge of waste chemicals

Term

Organic Chemicals:

 

Pentachlorophenol Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: zero mg/l

MCL: 0.001 mg/l

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: Liver or kidney problems; increased cancer risk

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: discharge from wood-preserving factories

Term

Organic Chemicals:

 

Picloram Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: 0.5 mg/l

MCL: 0.5 mg/l

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: Liver problems

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: herbicide runoff

Term

Organic Chemicals:

 

Simazine Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: 0.004 mg/l

MCL: 0.004 mg/l

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: problems with blood

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: herbicide runoff

Term

Organic Chemicals:

 

Styrene Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: 0.1 mg/l

MCL: 0.1 mg/l

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: Liver, kidney, or circulatory system problems

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: discharge from rubber and plastic factories; leaching from landfills

Term

Organic Chemicals:

 

Tetrachloroethylene Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: zero mg/l

MCL: 0.005 mg/l

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: liver problems; increased risk of cancer

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: discharge from factories and dry cleaners

Term

Organic Chemicals:

 

Toluene Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: 1 mg/l

MCL: 1 mg/l

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: nervous system, kidney, or liver problems

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: discharge from petroleum factories

Term

Organic Chemicals:

 

Toxaphene Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: zero mg/l

MCL: 0.003 mg/l

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: kidney, liver, or thyroid problems; increased risk of cancer

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: runoff/leaching from insecticide used on cotton and cattle

Term

Organic Chemicals:

 

2,4,5-TP (Silvex) Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: 0.05 mg/l

MCL: 0.05 mg/l

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: liver problems

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: residue of banned herbicide

Term

Organic Chemicals:

 

1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: 0.07 mg/l

MCL: 0.07 mg/l

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: changes in adrenal glands

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: discharge from textile finishing factories

Term

Organic Chemicals:

 

1,1,1-Trichloroethane Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: 0.20 mg/l

MCL: 0.2 mg/l

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: liver, nervous system, or circulatory problems

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: discharge from metal degreasing sites and other factories

Term

Organic Chemicals:

 

1,1,2-Trichloroethane Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: 0.003 mg/l

MCL: 0.005 mg/l

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: liver, kidney, or immune system problems

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: discharge from industrial chemical factories

Term

Organic Chemicals:

 

Trichloroethylene Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: zero mg/l

MCL: 0.005 mg/l

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: liver problems; increased risk of cancer

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: discharge from metal degreasing sites and other factories

Term

Organic Chemicals:

 

Vinyl Chloride Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: zero mg/l

MCL: 0.002 mg/l

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: increased risk of cancer

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: leaching from PVC pipes; discharge from plastic factories

Term

Organic Chemicals:

 

Xylenes (total) Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: 10 mg/l

MCL: 10 mg/l

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: nervous system damage

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: discharge from petroleum factories; discharge from chemical factories

Term

Radionuclides:

 

Alpha Particles Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: none/zero mg/l

MCL: 15 piocuries per liter (pCi/L)

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: increased risk of cancer

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: erosion of natural deposits of certain minerals that are radioactive and might emit a form of radiation known as alpha radiation

Term

Radionuclides:

 

Beta Particles and Photon Emitters Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: none / zero mg/l

MCL: 4 millirems per year

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: increased risk of cancer

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: decay of natural and manmade deposits of certain minerals that are radioactive and might emit forms of radiation known as photons and beta radiation

Term

Radionuclides:

 

Radium 226 and Radium 228 (combined) Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: none/ zero mg/l

MCL: 5 pCi/ L

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: increased risk of cancer

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: erosion of natural deposits

Term

Radionuclides:

 

Uranium Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water, Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Definition

MCLG: zero mg/l

MCL: 30 ug/L as of 12/08/03

Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water: increased risk of cancer, kidney toxicity

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water: erosion of natural deposits

Term
Contaminants Listed on the U.S. EPA National Secondary Drinking Water Contaminants Standards 
Definition
  • Aluminum 
  • Chloride
  • Color 
  • Copper
  • Corrosivity
  • Fluoride
  • Foaming Agents
  • Iron
  • Manganese
  • Odor
  • pH
  • Silver
  • Sulfate 
  • Total Dissolved Solids
  • Zinc
Term
U.S. EPA National Secondary Drinking Water Contaminants Standards for Aluminum
Definition
0.05 to 0.2 mg/L
Term

U.S. EPA National Secondary Drinking Water Contaminants Standards for Chloride

Definition
250 mg/L
Term

U.S. EPA National Secondary Drinking Water Contaminants Standards for Color

Definition
15 (color units)
Term

U.S. EPA National Secondary Drinking Water Contaminants Standards for Copper

Definition
1.0 mg/L
Term

U.S. EPA National Secondary Drinking Water Contaminants Standards for Corrosivity

Definition
Noncorrosive 
Term

U.S. EPA National Secondary Drinking Water Contaminants Standards for Fluoride

Definition
2.0 mg/L
Term

U.S. EPA National Secondary Drinking Water Contaminants Standards for Foaming Agents

Definition
0.5 mg/L
Term

U.S. EPA National Secondary Drinking Water Contaminants Standards for Iron

Definition
0.3 mg/L
Term

U.S. EPA National Secondary Drinking Water Contaminants Standards for Manganese

Definition
0.05 mg/L
Term
U.S. EPA National Secondary Drinking Water Contaminants Standards for Odor
Definition
3 threshold odor number
Term
U.S. EPA National Secondary Drinking Water Contaminants Standards for pH
Definition
6.5-8.5
Term
U.S. EPA National Secondary Drinking Water Contaminants Standards for Silver 
Definition
0.10 mg/L
Term
U.S. EPA National Secondary Drinking Water Contaminants Standards for Sulfate
Definition
250 mg/L
Term
U.S. EPA National Secondary Drinking Water Contaminants Standards for Total Dissolved Solids
Definition
500 mg/L
Term
U.S. EPA National Secondary Drinking Water Contaminants Standards for Zinc
Definition
5 mg/L
Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for Cryptosporidium (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: zero

MCL or TT: TT

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for Giardia Lambia (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: zero 

MCL or TT: TT

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for Heterotrophic Plate Count (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: n/a

MCL or TT: TT

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for Legionella (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: zero

 MCL or TT: TT

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for Total Coliforms (including fecal coliform and E. coli) (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: zero

MCL or TT: 5.0%

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for Turbidity (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: n/a

MCL or TT: TT

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for Viruses (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: zero

MCL or TT: TT

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for Bromate (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: zero

MCL or TT: 0.010

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for Chlorite (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: 0.8

MCL or TT: 1.0

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: n/a

MCL or TT: 0.060

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs)(MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: none; n/a

MCL or TT: 0.10; 0.080

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for Chloramines as (CL2) (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: 4

MCL or TT: 4.0

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for Chlorine (as CL2) (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: 4

MCL or TT: 4

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for Chlorine dioxide (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: 0.8

MCL or TT: 0.8

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for Antimony (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: 0.006

MCL or TT: 0.006

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for Arsenic (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: 0

MCL or TT: 0.010 as of 01/23/06

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for Asbestos (fiber > 10 micrometers) (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: 7 million fibers per liter

MCL or TT: 7MFL

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for Barium (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: 2

MCL or TT: 2

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for Berylium (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: 0.004

MCL or TT: 0.004

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for Cadmium (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: 0.005

MCL or TT: 0.005

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for Chromium (Total)(MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: 0.1

MCL or TT: 0.1

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for Copper (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: 1.3

MCL or TT: TT; Action level= 1.3

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for Cyanide (as free cyanide) (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: 0.2

MCL or TT: 0.2

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for Fluoride (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: 4.0

MCL or TT: 4.0

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for Lead (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: zero

MCL or TT: TT; Action level: 0.015

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for Mercury (inorganic)(MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: 0.002

MCL or TT: 0.002

 

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for Nitrate (measured as Nitrogen)(MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: 10

MCL or TT: 10

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for Nitrite (measured as nitrogen) (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: 1

MCL or TT: 1

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for Selenium (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: 0.05

MCL or TT: 0.05 

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for Thallium (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: 0.0005

MCL or TT: 0.002

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for Acrylamide (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: zero

MCL or TT: TT

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for Alachlor (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: zero

MCL or TT: 0.002

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for Atrazine (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: 0.003

MCL or TT: 0.003

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for Benzene (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: zero

MCL or TT: 0.005

Term

U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for

Benzo(a)pyrene (PAHs) (MCLG & MCL or TT)

Definition

MCLG: zero

MCL or TT: 0.002

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for Carbofuran (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: 0.04

MCL or TT: 0.04

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs)(MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition
Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for Carbon Tetrachloride (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: zero

MCL or TT: 0.005

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for Chlordane (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: zero

MCL or TT: 0.002

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for Chlorobenze (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: 0.1

MCL or TT: 0.1

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for 2,4-D (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: 0.07

MCL or TT: 0.07

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for Dalapon (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: 0.2

MCL or TT: 0.2 

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for 1,2-Dibromo-3-chloropropane (DBCP) (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: zero

MCL or TT: 0.0002

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for o-Dicholorobenzene (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: 0.6

MCL or TT: 0.6

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for p-Dicholorobenzene (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: 0.075

MCL or TT: 0.075

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for 1,2-Dichloroenthane (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: zero 

MCL or TT: 0.005

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for 1,1-Dichlorethylene (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: 0.007

MCL or TT: 0.007

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: 0.07

MCL or TT: 0.07

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: 0.1

MCL or TT: 0.1

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for Dichloromethane (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: zero

MCL or TT: 0.005

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for 1, 2-Dichloropropane (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: zero

MCL or TT: 0.005

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for Di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: 0.4

MCL or TT: 0.4

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: zero

MCL or TT: 0.006

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for Dinoseb (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: 0.007

MCL or TT: 0.007

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for Dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD) (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: zero 

MCL or TT: 0.00000003

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for Diquat (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: 0.02

MCL or TT: 0.02

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for Endothall (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: 0.1

MCL or TT: 0.1

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for Endrin (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: 0.002

MCL or TT: 0.002

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for Epichlorohydrin (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: zero 

MCL or TT: TT

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for Ethylbenze (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: 0.7

MCL or TT: 0.7

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for Ethylene dibromide (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: zero

MCL or TT: 0.00005

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for Glyphosphate (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: 0.7

MCL or TT: 0.7

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for Heptachlor (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: zero

MCL or TT: 0.0004

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for Heptachlor Epoxide (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: zero

MCL or TT: 0.0002

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for Hexachlorobenzene (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: zero

MCL or TT: 0.001

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for Hexachlorocyclopentadiene (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: 0.05 

MCL or TT: 0.05

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for Lindane (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: 0.0002

MCL or TT: 0.0002

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for Methoxychlor(MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: 0.04

MCL or TT: 0.04

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for Oxamyl (Vydate) (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: 0.2

MCL or TT: 0.2

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: zero

MCL or TT: 0.0005

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for Pentachlorophenol (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: zero

MCL or TT: 0.001

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for Picloram (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: 0.5

MCL or TT: 0.5

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for Simazine (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: 0.004

MCL or TT: 0.004

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for Styrene (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: 0.1

MCL or TT: 0.1

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for Tetrachloroethylene (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: zero

MCL or TT: 0.003

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for Toulene (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: 1

MCL or TT: 1

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for Toxaphene (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: zero 

MCL or TT: 0.003

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for 2,4,5-TP (Silvex) (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: 0.05

MCL or TT: 0.05

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for 1,2,4-Trichlorobenze (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: 0.07

MCL or TT: 0.07

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for 1,1,1-Trichloroethane (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: 0.20

MCL or TT: 0.2

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for Trichloroethylene (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: zero

MCL or TT: 0.002

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for Vinyl chloride (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: zero

MCL or TT: 0.002

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for Xylenes (total) (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: 10

MCL or TT: 10

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for Alpha particles (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: none/zero

MCL or TT: 15 picocuries per liter (pCi/L)

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for Beta particles and photon emitters (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

 MCLG: none/ zero 

MCL or TT: 4 millirems per year

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for Radium 226 & Radium 228 (combined) (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: none/zero

MCL or TT: 5 pCi/L

Term
U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Contaminant Standards for Uranium (MCLG & MCL or TT)
Definition

MCLG: zero

MCL or TT: 30 ug/L as of 12/08/03

Term
TROUBLESHOOTING VARIOUS STAGES OF THE SURFACE WATER TREATMENT PROCESS 
Definition
  • PRETREATMENT PROBLEMS AND THEIR SOLUTIONS
  • COAGULATION AND FLOCCULATION PROBLEMS AND THEIR SOLUTIONS 
  • SEDIMENTATION PROBLEMS AND THEIR SOLUTIONS
  • SOFTENING PROBLEMS AND THEIR SOLUTIONS
  • STABILIZATION PROBLEMS AND THEIR SOLUTIONS
  • FILTRATION PROBLEMS AND THEIR SOLUTIONS
  • DISINFECTION PROBLEMS AND THEIR SOLUTIONS
  • TASTE AND ODOR PROBLEMS AND THEIR SOLUTIONS
  • FLUORIDATION PROBLEMS AND THEIR SOLUTIONS 
  • WATER TRANSMISSION SYSTEM PROBLEMS AND THEIR SOLUTIONS 
Term
PRETREATMENT PROBLEMS
Definition
  • Presedimentation basin turbidity increases when source water turbidity and other conditions are unchanged. 
  • Presedimentation basin has high turbidity after heavy winter rain.
  • Presedimentation basin has high turbidity after heavy summer rain. 
  • In summer, gas bubbles rise to surface of source water and leave a small patch of oil-like film. 
  • Higher disinfectant demand of presedimentation basin effluent, but turbidity removal is satisfactory.
  • Higher coliform and heterotrophic plate count densities are in the presettled water. 
  • Fishy and earthy-musty odors from presedimentation basin, but there is no problem with source water. 
  • High atrazine in the presettled water. 
Term

PRETREATMENT PROBLEM:

 

Presediminetation Problem:

Presedimentation basin turbidity increases when source water turbidity and other conditions are unchanged.

Definition

Possible Causes:

a) Improper sludge removal. 

 

b) Sludge Scrapers are stopped. 

 

c) Polymer feed pump does not feed adequately. 

d) Inadequate polymer dose. Both under and overfeeding can cause high turbidity. Lower does not coagulate all turbidity particles. Excessive overfeeding increases water viscosity, which interferes with settling. 

Term

PRETREATMENT PROBLEM:

 

Presediminetation Problem:

Presedimentation basin turbidity increases when source water turbidity and other conditions are unchanged.

Definition

Possible Solutions:

a) Check sludge blanket level. If too high, increase sludge removal time and frequency. 

 

b) Check scraper movement to be sure it is working.

 

c) Check feed pump, setting, and polymer strength. To eliminate polymer diluting problem, feed straight polymer, Adjust feeder for required dose.

 

d) Run jar test; determine proper dose of polymer; apply it. 

Term

PRETREATMENT PROBLEM:

 

Presedemintation Problems:

 Presedimentation basin has high turbidity after heavy winter rain.

Definition

Presidementation Possible Causes:

 

 a) Too much sand and silt in water. Turbidity comes from sand and silt caused by ice chunks in the river or stream. Rolling movements of river ice stir bottom sediments that will cause high turbidity. 

 

b) Insufficient detention time. 

 

c) Inadequate polymer dose. 

Term

PRETREATMENT PROBLEM:

 

Presedemintation Problems:

 Presedimentation basin has high turbidity after heavy winter rain.

Definition

Possible Solutions:

 

a) Remove sludge more frequently for longer periods to get rid of heavy solids. This also increases detention time in basin. Check sludge density. Withdrawl period should stop when sludge is thin and watery to reduce unnecessary water wastage. 

 

b) Allow longer detention time to accommodate for almost-freezing water, which is heavy and subject to slow sedimentation.

 

c) Run jar test to determine optimum polymer does; too much or too little polymer may be the cause. Avoid feeding polymer over optimum dose. 

Term

PRETREATMENT PROBLEM:

 

Presedemintation Problems:

 Presedimentation basin has high turbidity after heavy summer rain. 

Definition

Possible Causes:

 

a) Inadequate sludge removal. Sand and silt settle rapidly. Removal of an adequate amount of sludge is important. 

 

b) Inadequate polymer treatment.

Term

PRETREATMENT PROBLEM:

 

Presedemintation Problems:

 Presedimentation basin has high turbidity after heavy summer rain. 

Definition

POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS:

 

a) Increase frequency and withdrawal time of sludge to accommodate for high temperatures which increase rate of sedimentation. 

 

b) Run jar test to determine optimum dose. Apply optimum dose; fine tune dose to achieve best results. A lower polymer dose in summer is better. 

Term

PRETREATMENT PROBLEM:

 

In summer, gas bubbles rise to surface of source water and leave a small patch of oil-like film. 

Definition

POSSIBLE CAUSES: 

 

a) Anaerobic decomposition of sludge at bottom of water body. Under drought conditions, the oxygen supply at bottom of water body is depleted. 

 

 

Term

PRETREATMENT PROBLEM:

 

In summer, gas bubbles rise to surface of source water and leave a small patch of oil-like film. 

Definition

POSSIBLE SOLUTION:

a) To be sure it is not an oil spill, inspect source water; run odor test, and check water for unusual contaminants. 

Term

PRETREATMENT PROBLEM:

 

Higher disinfectant demand of presedimentation basin effluent, but turbidity removal is satisfactory. 

Definition

POSSIBLE CAUSES:

 

a) High bacterial densities. 

 

b) Discharge of raw sewage from farm land or other town upstream.

 

c) Inadequate potassium permanganate (KMnO4) dose. 

Term

PRETREATMENT PROBLEM:

 

Higher disinfectant demand of presedimentation basin effluent, but turbidity removal is satisfactory. 

Definition

POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS:

 

a) Check coliform count on the settled water. High bacterial count will cause a high demand. Increase predisinfectant dose as required. 

 

b) Check raw water coliform density. If up, there will be higher demand for disinfectant dose. Check with municipalities upstream. 

 

c) If KMnO4 is used in presedimentation basin, its dose may be too low. Adjust KMnO4 dose 0.5-1.0 mg/L. KMnO4 will reduce demand by killing miccroorganisms by providing partial disinfection. Too much KMnO4 can cause pink water condition if detention time is short. 

Term

PRETREATMENT PROBLEM:

 

Higher coliform and heterotrophic plate count densities are in the presettled water. 

Definition

Possible Causes:

 

a) Inadequate predisinfection. 

 

b) Deficient KMnO4 dose. 

Term

PRETREATMENT PROBLEM:

 

Higher coliform and heterotrophic plate count densities are in the presettled water. 

Definition

Possible Solutions:

 

a) Check disinfection dose and adjust as required. Also, check for leaks in disinfection line. There might also be an underground leak. 

 

b) Check KMnO4 feed system and apply required dose. Control bacterial densities before they cause problems at treatment plant. 

Term

PRETREATMENT PROBLEM:

 

Fishy and earthy-musty odors from presedimentation basin, but there is no problem with source water. 

Definition

Possible Causes:

a) Sludge decomposing at the bottom of the basin.

 

b) Any overflow from a sludge lagoon.

 

 

Term

PRETREATMENT PROBLEM:

 

Fishy and earthy-musty odors from presedimentation basin, but there is no problem with the source water. 

Definition

Possible Solutions:

a) If scrapers don't scare sludge deep enough, decomposition will occur. Clean basins and wash with a high-pressure hose at least twice a year. Adjust scrapers. Practice good housekeeping.

 

b) Check for any such problems and correct. Any stagnant water with sediments in bottom should be noted.

Term

PRETREATMENT PROBLEM:

 

High atrazine in the presettled water. 

Definition

Possible Causes:

a) High atrazine in the source water. This pesticide is applied to control weeds in wheat and sorghum fields. It enters source water after heavy rains in spring and June and July.

 

b) Low carbon slurry concentration.

 

c) Incorrect carbon feed setting.

 

d) Mixer of carbon slurry tank is not working.

Term

PRETREATMENT PROBLEM:

 

High atrazine in the presettled water. 

Definition

Possible Solutions:

a)Monitor atrazine level regularly in source water. Run jar test. Determine the optimum dose of carbon and adjust accordingly.

 

b) Check slurry concentration of carbon. Adjust does corresponding to slurry concentration.

 

c) Monitor feed rate and check setting for slurry concentration.

 

d) Mixer should always be on to keep the carbon suspended.

 

Term

COAGULATION AND FLOCCULATION PROBLEM:

 

Poor Floc Formation

Definition

Possible Causes:

a) Inadequate coagulation dose.

 

b) Improper detention time.

Term

COAGULATION AND FLOCCULATION PROBLEM:

 

Poor Floc Formation

Definition

Possible Solutions:

a) Run jar test; determine optimum does and increase coagulant dose as required.

b) Check required detention time by running jar test. Apply needed detention time, if possible, by adjusting flocculator's speed or changing flow rate.

Term

COAGULATION AND FLOCCULATION PROBLEM:

 

Flakey/Feathery Floc

Definition

Possible Causes:

a) Excess lime. [Lime has a low solubility. Excess lime will precipitate as calcium hydroxide and form light floc.]

 

b) Inadequate coagulant dose. [Coagulants form heavy floc.]

Term

COAGULATION AND FLOCCULATION PROBLEM:

 

Flakey/Feathery Floc

Definition

Possible Solutions:

a) Run jar test; lower lime dose as required.

 

b) If excess lime dose is desirable, increase the coagulant dose until floc quality is improved.

Term

COAGULATION AND FLOCCULATION PROBLEM:

 

Poor flocculation when the optimum dose of coagulant is used.

Definition

Possible Causes:

a) Improper mixing.

 

 

Term

COAGULATION AND FLOCCULATION PROBLEM:

 

Poor flocculation when the optimum dose of coagulant is used.

Definition

Possible Solutions:

a) Check rapid mix and mixer speed; adjust as needed.

 

 

Term

COAGULATION AND FLOCCULATION PROBLEM:

 

Poor floc formation under winter conditions with low water turbidity. 

Definition

Possible Causes:

a) Not enough turbidity for an effective flocculation.

 

b) Improper detention time. Low temperature causes slower coagulation which needs longer detention time.

Term

COAGULATION AND FLOCCULATION PROBLEM:

 

Poor floc formation under winter conditions with low water turbidity. 

Definition

Possible Solutions:

a) Try some weighting coagulant aid like clay or sodium silicate.

b) Determine optimum detention time with jar test; apply it.

Term

COAGULATION AND FLOCCULATION PROBLEM:

 

Inadequate flocculation of yellowish water. 

Definition

Possible Causes:

a) Color of water is due to decomposition of natural organic substances like leaves.

 

Term

COAGULATION AND FLOCCULATION PROBLEM:

 

Inadequate flocculation of yellowish water. 

Definition

Possible Solutions:

a) Provide low Ph and high dose of coagulant. Alum lowers

Ph by forming sulfuric acid in the water.

 

Term

COAGULATION AND FLOCCULATION PROBLEM:

 

Inadequate flocculation of summer water with low turbidity.

Definition

Possible Causes:

a) Drought conditions. A lack of proper dilution factor and high concentration of minerals cause poor flocculation conditions.

 

Term

COAGULATION AND FLOCCULATION PROBLEM:

 

Inadequate flocculation of summer water with low turbidity.

Definition

Possible Solutions:

a) Run jar test by using alum and a weighing coagulant aid that will increase floc density and rate of coagulation by providing nuclei.

Term

COAGULATION AND FLOCCULATION PROBLEM:

 

Floc settles in coagulation basins.

Definition

Possible Causes:

a) Excessive coagulant dose forms heavy floc.

b) Weighting coagulant aid dose is too high.

c) Velocity in basin is too low.

Term

COAGULATION AND FLOCCULATION PROBLEM:

 

Floc settles in coagulation basins.

Definition

Possible Solutions:

a) Run jar test to check coagulant dose and lower it as required.

b) Run jar test with and without coagulant aid to determine if coagulant aid is needed. Lower or stop feeding coagulant aid as required.

c) Check velocity and flocculator's speed. Increase velocity as needed since too low velocity allows sedimentation of floc in basins.

c) Velocity in basin is too low.

Term

SEDIMENTATION PROBLEM:

 

Poor sedimentation of a normal floc.

Definition

Possible Causes:

a) Sludge blanket is too high. This happens when fine sludge is not adequately removed.

b) Too much sludge in the basin. It could be due to less removal and more build-up.

c) The detention time is too short. Not enough time for complete sedimentation.

d) Short-circuiting of flocculated water; occurs in summer and winter due to stratification.

Term

SEDIMENTATION PROBLEM:

 

Poor sedimentation of a normal floc.

Definition

Possible Solutions:

a) Increase withdrawl of sludge until blanket is at least 5 feet below the water surface.

b) Remove sludge until all heavy sludge is removed. Watch sludge density of discharged sludge. Removal should cease when sludge becomes thin and watery.

c) Check detention time and adjust, if possible.

d) Check baffling and mixing mechanisms and increase the mixing.

Term

SEDIMENTATION PROBLEM:

 

Light feathery-flaky floc scouring into settled water. 

Definition

Possible Causes:

a) Inadequate flocculation due to excessive lime usage.

 

Term

SEDIMENTATION PROBLEM:

 

Light feathery-flaky floc scouring into settled water. 

Definition

Possible Solutions:

a) Reduce lime dose and increase alum dose until floc becomes lighter.

Term

SEDIMENTATION PROBLEM:

 

Scrapers of sedimentation basin are stopping. 

Definition

Possible Causes:

a) Buildup of heavy solids in basin due to inefficient sludge removal.

b) Too much sand and silt in influent water.

c) Some obstructing object such as a tool, piece of wood, or brick in basin.

Term

SEDIMENTATION PROBLEM:

 

Scrapers of sedimentation basin are stopping. 

Definition

Possible Solutions:

a) Open sludge discharge valve; check sludge density; discharge until thin. Set timers to increase frequency and interval of discharge of sludge.

b)Check presettled water turbidity and its nature. If turbidity is due to silt, then increase sludge removal.

c) Drain basin and look for obstructing object.

Term

SEDIMENTATION PROBLEM:

 

Clouds of floc are in the peripheral part of a solid contact basin.

Definition

Possible Causes:

a) If basin is a walker type, the tangential gates are not adjusted properly. If gates are too tight for a flow, they cause a higher velocity to the coagulated water. Floc cloud hits basin wall and moves upward to cause clouds.

b) In case of an accelerator.

Term

SEDIMENTATION PROBLEM:

 

Clouds of floc are in the peripheral part of a solid contact basin.

Definition

Possible Solutions:

a) Open gates until water level in coagulation zone is about two inches higher than that of the flocculation zone. Consult operational manual for proper adjustment of gates.

b) Slow down the central mixer speed. There might be insufficient sludge removal from outer sludge hoppers. Increase sludge removal from outer hoppers.

Term

SEDIMENTATION PROBLEM:

 

Slurry concentration is too low in solid contact basin.

Definition

Possible Causes:

a) In case of an accelerator-like basin.

b) In case of a walker-like basin.

Term

SEDIMENTATION PROBLEM:

 

Slurry concentration is too low in solid contact basin.

Definition

Possible Solutions:

a) Reduce sludge discharge from outer hoppers. Scrappers will bring in finer floc toward center for recirculation.

b) Increase discharge frequency and reduce discharge interval to get rid of heavy solids and retain lighter solids for recirculation. If possible, increase speed of recirculation.

Term

SEDIMENTATION PROBLEMS

 

 

Definition
  • Poor sedimentation of a normal floc.
  • Light feathery-flaky floc scouring into settled water.
  • Solids are gritty and like white sand.
  • Scrappers of sedimentation basin are stopping.
  • Clouds of floc are in the peripheral part of a solid contact basin.
  • Slurry concentration is too low in solid contact basin.
  • In solid contact basin slurry concentration is too high.
  • After heavy rain in summer, water does not flocculate and settle in solid contact basin.
  • There is poor sedimentation (in solid contact basin) of cold water with low turbidity.
Term

COAGULATION & FLOCCULATION PROBLEMS

 

Definition
  • Poor floc formation.
  • Flakey-feathery floc.
  • Poor flocculation when optimum dose of coagulant is used.
  • Poor floc formation under winter conditions with low water turbidity.
  • Inadequate flocculation of yellowish water.
  • Inadequate flocculation of summer water with low turbidity.
  • Floc settles in coagulation basins.
Term

SOFTENING PROBLEMS

 

Definition
  • Soda ash does not effectively remove hardness.
  • Soda ash line plugs up.
  • Soda ash solution is milky and gritty.
  • Lime is not effectively softening.
  • During winter, softening sludge is heavy, gritty, and like white sand.
Term

FILTRATION PROBLEMS

 

Definition
  • Mud balls are in a sand filter.
  • Cracks are in the surface mat of a sand filter.
  • There is jet action and sand boiling in a mixed media filter.
  • There is high turbidity in filter effluent of a conventional treatment plant when all other phases have no problems.
  • Surface sweeps are being buried under the media.
  • There is biofouling of a membrane.
  • There is chemical scaling of the membrane.
Term
DISINFECTION PROBLEMS
Definition
  • Unable to feed sufficient chlorine.
  • Chlorine residual is low and there is no problem with the feed system.
  • Chlorine residual is low and THMs are high.
  • Chlorine residual is dropping when dose is being increased.
  • Ammonia odors are in chloranimated water.
  • Chloramines are used for postdisinfection and there is low combined residual chlorine on the tap.
  • Chloramines are used for postdisinfection and there is low combined residual chlorine on the tap. (continued) pH of the tap is considerably lower than the filter effluent.
  • Chlorine dioxide generator efficiency is low.
  • There is a low ozone residual from the generator.
  • There is a high ozone demand.
Term

FLUORIDATION  PROBLEMS

 

Definition
  • Low fluoride reading when the fluoride dose is correct.
  • There is build-up of fluoride in feed lines.
  • Feed lines are corroded.
Term
TASTE & ODOR  PROBLEMS
Definition
  • There is excessive scaling of carbon slurry tank and feed lines.
  • Carbon causes high disinfectant demand.
  • Suddenly, there is an earthy-musty odor in the water.
  • Fishy odors are in the water.
  • Water has cucumber odors and metallic dry taste.
  • High atrazine is in the presettled water.
  • Customer water smells like cat urine.
Term

SEDIMENTATION PROBLEM:

 

Slurry concentration is too high in solid contact basin.

Definition

Possible Causes:

a) In case of an accelerator-like basin.

b) In case of a walker-like basin.

Term

SEDIMENTATION PROBLEM:

 

Slurry concentration is too high in solid contact basin.

Definition

Possible Solutions:

Do the opposite of the previously defined problem. The more the sludge discharge of the fine floc, the lower the slurry concentration, and vice versa.

a) Increase sludge discharge from outer hoppers. Scrappers will bring finer floc toward center for recirculation.

b) Decrease discharge frequency and increase discharge interval to get rid of heavy solids and retain lighter solids for recirculation. If possible, decrease speed of recirculation.

Term

SEDIMENTATION PROBLEM:

 

After heavy rain in summer, water does not flocculate and settle in solid contact basin. 

Definition

Possible Causes:

 

a) High turbidity and low hardness.

Term

SEDIMENTATION PROBLEM:

 

After heavy rain in summer, water does not flocculate and settle in solid contact basin.

Definition

Possible Solutions:

 

a) This water can be treated at high pH with normal dose of coagulant (7-10mg/L alum). May need small dose of a polymer. Sludge should be removed efficiently from basins. Sludge is heavy due to silt. Run jar test using a coagulant and a polymer; determine their optimum doses for best results and use the combination.

Term

SEDIMENTATION PROBLEM:

 

There is poor sedimentation (in solid contact basin) of cold water with low turbidity.

Definition

Possible Causes:

 

a) Low pH.

b) Insufficient detention time. In winter, low temperature will increase the density of the water, which slows down sedimentation process.

c) Insufficent coagulant dose. Colder water needs higher dose of a coagulant for proper sedimentation.

Term

SEDIMENTATION PROBLEM:

 

There is poor sedimentation (in solid contact basin) of cold water with low turbidity.

Definition

Possible Solutions:

 

a) High pH of the water will help in flocculation and sedimentation by providing OH- ions to react with the coagulant. Add small dose of lime.

b) Increase detention time by reducing flow through the basin. (Put on more basins.)

c) Run jar test; determine required chemical doses and apply them.

Term

SOFTENING PROBLEM:

 

Soda ash does not effectively remove hardness. 

Definition

Possible Causes:

 

a) Hardess is gone up in the raw water.

b) Lime and soda ash react together before they react with the hardness.

c) Feeder does not feed correctly.

Term

SOFTENING PROBLEM:

 

Soda ash does not effectively remove hardness. 

Definition

Possible Solutions:

 

a) Run Hardness test; determine right dose by jar test; apply it.

b) Check feed lines because they might be feeding too closely. Feed lime first and soda ash later.

c) Check feeder belt speed; look for any obstruction in feeding system, and correct it.

Term

SOFTENING PROBLEM:

 

Soda ash line plugs up. 

Definition

Possible Causes:

 

a) Mixing of lime slurry with soda ash solution.

 

Term

SOFTENING PROBLEM:

 

Soda ash line plugs up. 

Definition

Possible Solutions:

 

a) Check lines and any other possible mixing of these two chemicals. They react and produce calcium carbonate. Calcium carbonate will deposit in the lines.

 

Term

SOFTENING PROBLEM:

 

Soda ash solution is milky and gritty.

Definition

Possible Causes:

 

a) In some way, there is a mixing of some lime with soda ash in the storage bin.

Term

SOFTENING PROBLEM:

 

Soda ash solution is milky and gritty.

Definition

Possible Solutions:

 

a) Check soda ash bin for any contamination with lime.

Term

SOFTENING PROBLEM:

 

Lime is not effectively softening. 

Definition

Possible Causes:

 

a) Lime dose is too high. It will be indicated by the light and flakey floc and slightly milky water due to undissolved calcium hydroxide which causes high calcium hardness.

Term

SOFTENING PROBLEM:

 

Lime is not effectively softening. 

Definition

Possible Solutions:

 

a) Check lime dose by jar testing and reduce it as required.

Term

SOFTENING PROBLEM:

 

Lime is not effectively softening. 

Definition

Possible Causes:

 

a) Coagulant (alum) dose is too low.

Term

SOFTENING PROBLEM:

 

Lime is not effectively softening. 

Definition

Possible Solutions:

 

a) Run jar test; determine right dose of coagulant; and feed correct dose. Alum will react with lime and reduce hardness.

Term

SOFTENING PROBLEM:

 

Lime is not effectively softening. 

Definition

Possible Causes:

 

a) Quick lime (CaO) is not slaking properly. It is indicated by grit still slaking in the grit drum, which means an improper grade of lime.

Term

SOFTENING PROBLEM:

 

Lime is not effectively softening. 

Definition

Possible Solutions:

 

a) Ask supplier to provide proper grade of lime.

Term

SOFTENING PROBLEM:

 

During winter, softening sludge is heavy, gritty, and like white sand. 

Definition

Possible Causes:

 

a) An insufficient alum dose. Especially during winter, an improper dose of alum can cause sandlike calcium carbonate sludge formation that separates from the rest of the lighter sludge. It is easily visible as a bottom layer in a graduated cylinder while running the settlability test. If not removed, this sludge can lock up scrapers (as discussed previously).

Term

SOFTENING PROBLEM:

 

During winter, softening sludge is heavy, gritty, and like white sand. 

Definition

Possible Solutions:

 

a) Run jar test and determine optimum alum dose until all the sludge has a uniform density. It does not stratify in the jar test.

Term

STABILIZATION PROBLEM:

 

Corrosion of some parts of the basin with the excessive build-up of calcium carbonate. 

Definition

Possible Causes:

 

a) Some unprotected parts of metal are exposed to water.

b) Ineffective cathodic protection.

Term

STABILIZATION PROBLEM:

 

Corrosion of some parts of the basin with the excessive build-up of calcium carbonate. 

Definition

Possible Solutions:

 

a) All parts of basin should be protected by paint, cathodic protection or both.

b) Check the anodes. If they are used up, replace them. Check the electrical parts of the circuit & correct them, if needed.

Term

STABILIZATION PROBLEM:

 

Excessive deposition in the pipes; pH is 9.

Definition

Possible Causes:

 

a) Water alkalinity is above 100 mg/ L. Rate of calcium carbonate deposition depends on alkalinity and pH of the water. A higher pH needs a lower alkalinity for the proper rate of deposition, and vice versa.

b) Langlier Saturation Index is too high. The higher the index, the more is the deposition.

Term

STABILIZATION PROBLEM:

 

Excessive deposition in the pipes; pH is 9.

Definition

Possible Causes:

 

a) Water alkalinity is above 100 mg/ L. Rate of calcium carbonate deposition depends on alkalinity and pH of the water. A higher pH needs a lower alkalinity for the proper rate of deposition, and vice versa.

b) Langlier Saturation Index is too high. The higher the index, the more is the deposition.

Term

STABILIZATION PROBLEM:

 

Excessive deposition in the pipes; pH is 9.

Definition

Possible Solutions:

 

a) See the Baylis Curve and lower the pH (by recarbonation) for the proper stability.

b) Lower the index to around +0.3 plus or -0.1.

Term

STABILIZATION PROBLEM:

 

Sodium hexametaphosphate causes corrosion of lines. 

Definition

Possible Causes:

 

a) Low calcium content of the water. Sodium hexametaphosphate is a very corrosive substance. In the absence of calcium carbonate, it will attack iron.

b) Feeder orverfeeds.

Term

STABILIZATION PROBLEM:

 

Sodium hexametaphosphate causes corrosion of lines. 

Definition

Possible Solutions:

 

a) Check calcium hardness and lower the sodium hexametaphosphate dose until there is a small amount of its residual in the water.

b) Check Feeder and settings and correct it.

Term

STABILIZATION PROBLEM:

 

Treated water is of depositing quality, but there is corrosion in the distribution system. 

Definition

Possible Causes:

 

a) Some parts of distribution system (like fittings) are unlined. These exposed parts will serve as anodes and will corrode.

b) There may be a grounding of household appliances through the water lines. The problem will be mainly within the house's plumbing.

c) Connection between two dissimilar metals causes galvanic corrosion.

Term

STABILIZATION PROBLEM:

 

Treated water is depositing quality, but there is corrosion in the distribution system. 

Definition

Possible Solutions:

 

a) Check feeder and setting and correct it.

b) Check for such a situation and remove grounding wire from the water line.

c) Check for such connections (like lead and copper or a galvanized iron fitting and copper) and replace them with proper metals.

Term

FILTRATION PROBLEM:

 

Mud balls are in a sand filter. 

Definition

Possible Causes:

 

a) High level of CaCO3 in water. Calcium Carbonate forms aggregates in the surface mat.

b) Aburpt high rate of washing. Mud balls are formed by faulty distribution of washwater caused by abrupt and quick opening of the washwater valve. It causes openings in the filter bed by pushing the media and letting some of the surface mat aggregates of CaCO3 fall below the media's surface. They grow close to 1" in size and can cause clogging of filter and high effluent turbidity.

Term

FILTRATION PROBLEM:

 

Mud balls are in a sand filter. 

Definition

Possible Causes:

 

a) Lower the pH (below 9.3) of the influent water to convert CaCO3 into soluble calcium bicarbonate. Also add 0.5- 0.75 mg/L sodium hexametaphosphate to the filter washing by surface agitation and gradually increasing the wash water flow.

b) Start the filter washing by surface agitation and gradually increasing the wash water flow.

 

Term

FILTRATION PROBLEM:

 

Cracks are in surface mat of a sand filter. 

Definition

Possible Causes:

 

a) High dose of polymer to filter influent. Micro floc forms the gelatinous surface mat. WHen the mat becomes thick, it cracks at weak points due to water pressure. Cracks form water channels to let water pass through the media without effective filtration. Polymer feed for microflocculation should be lowest effective dose generally 0.25 to 0.75 mg/L.

b) Longer filter runs can cause a thicker mat which can crack at thinner places.

Term

FILTRATION PROBLEM:

 

Cracks are in surface mat of a sand filter. 

Definition

Possible Solutions:

 

a) Determine required polymer dose by jar test and decrease it as required.

b) Shorten the filter run adequately.

Term

FILTRATION PROBLEM:

 

There is jet action and sand boiling in a mixed media filter. 

Definition

Possible Causes:

 

a) Abrupt opening of the backwash water valve. Fast movement of backwash water in part of the filter bed can cause boiling of media particles resulting in media mixing and poor filtration.

 

Term

FILTRATION PROBLEM:

 

There is jet action and sand boiling in a mixed media filter. 

Definition

Possible Solutions:

  

a) Open wash water valve slowly and partially for first few minutes of the washing.

Term

FILTRATION PROBLEM:

 

There is high turbidity in filter effluent of a conventional treatment plant when all other phases have no problems.

Definition

Possible Causes:

 

a) High pH of the filter influent: pH above 9.4 causes fine calcium carbonate (CaCO3) particles to go through filters to cause a high turbidity reading.

b) Overfeed of a polyphosphate: A dose of a polyphosphate such as sodium hexametaphosphate over 0.75 mg/L to the filter will cause excessive removal of calcium carbonate coating of the filter media, which results in a high turbidity reading.

c) Overfeed of a polymer. Overdose of a polymer to the filter influent will cause cracks and channels in the media for the turbidity particles to go through without filtration.

d) Air bubbles in the turbidity measuring cell. There is a higher concentration of dissolved gases in the water, especially in winter, which start coming out as gas bubbles at room temperature.

e) Scratched or smudged sample cell.

 

Term

FILTRATION PROBLEM:

 

There is high turbidity in filter effluent of a conventional treatment plant when all other phases have no problems.

Definition

Possible Solutions:

 

a) Lower pH to 9.3 which will convert calcium carbonate to soluble calcium bicarbonate. Remember there is no insoluble calcium carbonate below pH 9.3.

b) Run a jar test; determine optimum dose of polyphosphate, and apply. Generally, 0.5 mg/L dose is adequate.

c) Check polymer dose to the filter influent. Usually, a dose above 0.5 mg/L can cause a high turbidity reading. Run jar test; determine optimum polymer dose and apply.

d) Warm the sample to remove gases before taking the turbidity reading.

e) Always use a scratch-free sample cell since scratches will also give a flash high turbidity reading. Wipe the cell with a soft tissue paper.

Term

FILTRATION PROBLEM:

 

Surface sweeps are being buried under the media.

Definition

Possible Causes:

 

a) High calcium carbonate content. High calcium carbonate deposition on media particles will cause the swelling of media.

Term

FILTRATION PROBLEM:

 

Surface sweeps are being buried under the media.

Definition

Possible Solutions:

 

a) Lower the pH below 9.3 and apply small amount of polyphosphate as previously discussed. The amount of swelling can be determined by washing a sample of media with 5 percent hydrochloric acid. The difference of the dried sample weight or volume before and after washing, times 100, is the percent of swelling in weight and volume, respectively. It may require the acid washing of the whole media to reduce its volume. This will also improve the filter performance.

Term

FILTRATION PROBLEM:

 

There is biofouling of a membrane.

Definition

Possible Causes:

 

a) High bacterial count in feed water.

b) Membrane has been out of service too long. Some bacteria in and on a wet membrane will start to multiply if the membrane is out of service too long.

Term

FILTRATION PROBLEM:

 

There is biofouling of a membrane.

Definition

Possible Solutions:

 

a) Check bacterial count in pretreated water and reduce it by proper predisinfection.

b) Flush membrane with filtered water and sanitize it as recommended by he manufacturer.

Term

FILTRATION PROBLEM:

 

There is chemical scaling of the membrane.

Definition

Possible Causes:

 

a) A high metallic (calcium, magnesium, and iron) salt content. These metals will become concentrated in the feed water during filtration and precipitate.

b) pH of feed water is too high. This will cause more deposition of metallic salts.

 

Term

FILTRATION PROBLEM:

 

There is chemical scaling of the membrane.

Definition

Possible Solutions:

 

a) Use an antiscalant such as sodium hexametphosophate or ployacrylate as recommended by the manufacturer.

b) Lower the pH to dissolve the scaling substances.

Term

COMMON NAMES, COMMON CHEMICALS, AND COMMON CHEMICAL REACTIONS MADE USE OF IN THE WATER TREATMENT PROCESS

 

 

Definition
  • Hypochlorous Acid, Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and bleach (sodium hypochlorite, or NaClO) are both chlorine-based disinfectants with similar chemical structures, but different disinfecting properties due to their pH levels. HOCl has a near-neutral pH of 5–7, while bleach has a highly alkaline pH of 8–13. 

Water + CL2 GAS

hydrochloric acid (HCl) and hypochlorous acid (HOCl)

  • Aluminum Sulfate, Al₂(SO₄)₃ * 14H2O, Filter Alum,  is soluble in water and is mainly used as a coagulating agent (promoting particle collision by neutralizing charge) in the purification of drinking water and wastewater treatment plants, and also in paper manufacturing.
  • Aluminum Oxide, Liquid Alum, Al2O3, is used for coagulation and deflouridation
  • Hypochlorites, hypochlorites of calcium and sodium are solid forms of chlorine. They react with water to produce hypochlorus acid and hydroxides. Unlike chlorine gas, they raise the pH of the water. High-test hypochlorite, HTH, is calcium hypochlorite (Ca(ClO)2), which contains 70 percent available chlorine. Sodium hypochlorite (NaClO), the common household bleach (e.g., Clorox), solution contains 15 percent available chlorine. Hypochlorite solution is applied by hypochlorinators. All hypochlorites are corrosive to some degree. Thus, they are stored in wood, glass, plastic or rubber containers. 
  • Ammonia, Ammonia gas (NH3) & Ammonia aqua liquid (NH4OH)(ammonia solution), are used in Chloramination 
  • Calcium Bicarbonate (Ca(HCO3)2is used for Alkalinity 
  • Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) Limestone, is used for softening
  •  Calcium Hydroxide, Ca(OH)2 Hydrated Lime or Slaked Lime, is used for softening
  • Calcium Hypochlorite, HTH, Ca (ClO)2is used for chlorination
  • Calcium Oxide, Unslaked lime or quick lime, CaO, is used for softening
  • Carbon, Activated Carbon, C, used for taste, odor, and pesticide removal
  • Chlorine, CL2is used for Chlorination
  • Chlorine Dioxide, CL02is used for disinfection
  • Copper Sulfate, Blue Vitriol, CuSO4 *5HO, is used for algae control
  • Ferric Chloride, FeCl3 * 6H2O, used for coagulation 
  • Ferric Sulfate, Fe2(SO4)3used for coagulation
  • Ferrous Chloride, FeCl2used for chlorite control
  • Fluosilicic Acid,  (Hydrofluosilicic Acid), Fluoride, H2Si2F6used for Fluoridation
  • Hydrochloric Acid, Muriatic Acid, HCL, used for acidity
  • Ozone, O3, used for Disinfection 
  • Potassium Permanganate, KMnO4, used for taste and odor control 
  • Sodium Aluminate, NaAlO2, used for coagulation and softening
  • Sodium Bicarbonate, Baking Soda, NaHCO3, used for alkalinity
  • Sodium Carbonate, Soda Ash, NaCO3, used for softening
  • Sodium Chlorite, NaClO2, used for chlorine dioxide formation
  • Sodium Flouride, NaF, used for fluoridation
  • Sodium Fluosilicate, Na2SiF6, used for fluoridation 
  • Sodium Hexametaphosphate, Calgon, Na6(PO3)6 or 6(NaPO3),  used for sequestering, specifically when added to potable water sodium hexametaphosphate sequesters certain metal oxides, thereby eliminating objectionable colors from the water. As Calgon (calcium gone) Sodium Hexametaphosphate keeps calcium in solution. Besides controlling the excessive calcium carbonate scale formation, it also dissolves rust, which reduces the number of red water complaints.
  • Sodium Hydroxide, Lye, NaOH, used for alkalinity
  • Sodium Hypochlorite, Bleach, NaClO, used for chlorination 
  • Sodium Phosphate, Na3PO4 * 12H2O, used for corrosion control
  • Sodium Thiosulfate, Na2S2O3, used for corrosion control
  • Sulfuric Acid, Oil of Vitriol, H2SO4, used for corrosion control
  • Zinc Orthophosphate, Zn3(PO4)2used for corrosion control

 

Term
Hypochlorous Acid
Definition
Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and bleach (sodium hypochlorite, or NaClO) are both chlorine-based disinfectants with similar chemical structures, but different disinfecting properties due to their pH levels. HOCl has a near-neutral pH of 5–7, while bleach has a highly alkaline pH of 8–13. 
Term

Water + CL2 GAS

 

Definition
hydrochloric acid (HCl) and hypochlorous acid (HOCl
Term
Aluminum Sulfate, Al₂(SO₄)₃ * 14H2O, Filter Alum
Definition
is soluble in water and is mainly used as a coagulating agent (promoting particle collision by neutralizing charge) in the purification of drinking water and wastewater treatment plants, and also in paper manufacturing.
Term
  • Aluminum Oxide, Liquid Alum, Al2O3
Definition
is used for coagulation and deflouridation
Term
Hypochlorites
Definition
hypochlorites of calcium and sodium are solid forms of chlorine. They react with water to produce hypochlorus acid and hydroxides. Unlike chlorine gas, they raise the pH of the water. High-test hypochlorite, HTH, is calcium hypochlorite (Ca(ClO)2), which contains 70 percent available chlorine. Sodium hypochlorite (NaClO), the common household bleach (e.g., Clorox), solution contains 15 percent available chlorine. Hypochlorite solution is applied by hypochlorinators. All hypochlorites are corrosive to some degree. Thus, they are stored in wood, glass, plastic or rubber containers.
Term
Ammonia, Ammonia gas (NH3) & Ammonia aqua liquid (NH4OH)(ammonia solution)
Definition
are used in Chloramination
Term
Calcium Bicarbonate 
Definition
(Ca(HCO3)2is used for Alkalinity
Term
Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) Limestone
Definition
is used for softening
Term
Calcium Hydroxide, Ca(OH)2 Hydrated Lime or Slaked Lime
Definition
 is used for softening
Term
Carbon, Activated Carbon, C
Definition
 used for taste, odor, and pesticide removal
Term
Chlorine, CL2
Definition
 is used for Chlorination
Term
Chlorine Dioxide, CL02
Definition
is used for disinfection
Term
Copper Sulfate, Blue Vitriol, CuSO4 *5HO
Definition
 is used for algae control
Term
Ferric Chloride, FeCl3 * 6H2O
Definition
 used for coagulation
Term
Ferric Sulfate, Fe2(SO4)3
Definition
used for coagulation
Term
Ferrous Chloride, FeCl2
Definition
 used for chlorite control
Term
Fluosilicic Acid,  (Hydrofluosilicic Acid), Fluoride, H2Si2F6
Definition
used for Fluoridation
Term
Hydrochloric Acid, Muriatic Acid, HCL
Definition
used for acidity
Term
Ozone, O3
Definition
used for Disinfection
Term
Potassium Permanganate, KMnO4
Definition
, used for taste and odor control 
Term
Sodium Aluminate, NaAlO2
Definition
used for coagulation and softening
Term
Sodium Bicarbonate, Baking Soda, NaHCO3
Definition
used for alkalinity
Term
Sodium Carbonate, Soda Ash, NaCO3
Definition
used for softening
Term
Sodium Chlorite, NaClO2
Definition
used for chlorine dioxide formation
Term
Sodium Flouride, NaF
Definition
 used for fluoridation
Term

PERIODIC TABLE 

 

Definition
[image]
Term
Sodium Hexametaphosphate, Calgon, Na6(PO3)6 or 6(NaPO3)
Definition
 used for sequestering, specifically when added to potable water sodium hexametaphosphate sequesters certain metal oxides, thereby eliminating objectionable colors from the water. As Calgon (calcium gone) Sodium Hexametaphosphate keeps calcium in solution. Besides controlling the excessive calcium carbonate scale formation, it also dissolves rust, which reduces the number of red water complaints.
Term
Sodium Hydroxide, Lye, NaOH
Definition
used for alkalinity
Term
Sodium Hypochlorite, Bleach, NaClO
Definition
 used for chlorination
Term

Sodium Phosphate,

Na3PO* 12H2O

Definition
used for corrosion control
Term

Sodium Thiosulfate,

Na2S2O3

Definition
 used for corrosion control
Term
Sulfuric Acid, Oil of Vitriol, H2SO4
Definition
used for corrosion control
Term
Zinc Orthophosphate, Zn3(PO4)2
Definition
used for corrosion control
Term

DISINFECTION PROBLEM:

 

Unable to feed sufficient chlorine

Definition

Possible Causes:

  1.  Restricted feed line. 
  2.  Chlorine tank close to being empty. Chlorine leak. It is indicated by chlorine odors in the room.
  3.  Frozen chlorine supply line could be due to too high a withdrawal rate from the tank.
Term

DISINFECTION PROBLEM:

 

Unable to feed sufficient chlorine

Definition

Possible Solutions:

  1. Check any obstruction in feed line and correct it. 
  2. Change the tank.
  3. Put on mask, apply ammonia fumes to detect the leak, and fix it.
  4. Restrict daily withdrawal rate to 250 lbs./day as the maximum for 1,000 lb. cylinders.
Term

DISINFECTION PROBLEM:

 

Chlorine residual is low and there is no problem with the feed system.

Definition

Possible Causes:

  1. Chlorine demand of the water has increased. Presence of more organic matter due to farmland runoffs, untreated sewage, and ammonia will cause higher demand. 
Term

DISINFECTION PROBLEM:

 

Chlorine residual is low and there is no problem with the feed system.

Definition

Possible Solutions:

  1. Increase chlorine dose corresponding to the higher demand.
Term

DISINFECTION PROBLEM:

 

Chlorine residual is dropping when dose is being increased.

Definition

Possible Causes:

  1. Overfeeding the chlorine and destorying the combined residual chlorine.
Term

DISINFECTION PROBLEM:

 

Chlorine residual is dropping when dose is being increased.

Definition

Possible Solutions:

  1. Lower the chlorine dose by 0.5 mg/L and check the residual. If residual comes up, then it was overfeeding. Continue cutting back the dose gradually until desired residual is achieved. It is important to understand breakpoint chlorination. 
Term

DISINFECTION PROBLEM:

 

Ammonia odors are in chloraminated water.

Definition

Possible Causes: 

  1. Overfeeding ammonia.
Term

DISINFECTION PROBLEM:

 

Ammonia odors are in chloraminated water.

Definition

Possible Solutions:

 

  1. Check the ammonia setting. If the setting is 100%; feed valve is wide open. Ammonia feed may be too high. If ammonia is too high stop ammonia feed and increase chlorine dose gradually to neutralize excess ammonia.
Term

DISINFECTION PROBLEM:

 

Chloramines are used for postdisinfection and there is low combined residual chlorine on the tap.

Definition

Possible Causes: 

 

  1. Chlorine tank is almost empty. It will be indicated by low chlorine residual and no effect on free-residual chlorine, ammonia, or pH.
  2. Ammonia feed is low. It will be indicated by low ammonia content, pH slowly dropping, and free chlorine slowly increasing.
Term

DISINFECTION PROBLEM:

 

Chloramines are used for postdisinfection and there is low combined residual chlorine on the tap.

Definition

Possible Solutions: 

 

Change the tank.

Check ammonia feed and adjust as required. Ratio of ammonia to chlorine should be 1:4. 

Term

DISINFECTION PROBLEM:

 

Chloramines are used for postdisinfection and there is low combined residual chlorine on the tap. (continued) 

pH of the tap is considerably lower than the filter effluent. 

Definition
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