Full Description

Surface water systems may be vulnerable to suddenchanges in source water quality as a result ofaccidental, intentional, or natural contaminationfrom a variety of sources, including spills and storms.Utilities must respond quickly to these events in orderto determine appropriate changes in treatment strategyand protect consumers from potentially harmful contaminants.Early warning monitoring systems can facilitaterapid response by using detection, event characterization,and communication to gather the informationnecessary to make sound decisions.This article discusses the characteristics, components,and design of early warning systems as well asexisting and developing monitoring methods and still-neededresearch. Case studies provide snapshots ofadvanced early warning monitoring systems fromaround the world, in particular Europe and Asia. Witha few notable exceptions, US experience with advancedearly warning monitoring systems is limited, and mostwater supplies have little or no early warning system inplace.When a contamination event occurs, time is of theessence to protect supplies and safeguard consumerhealth. Early warning monitoring not only cutsresponse time but also provides a cost-effective mechanismfor reducing risks, boosting public confidence inthe water utility, and promoting good practice andcareful reporting on the part of dischargers. Using theinformation and framework provided here, utilities canbegin developing their own early warning monitoringsystems, thus ensuring that when water quality isendangered, they won't be caught flatfooted. Includes 30 references, tables, figures.

Product Details

Edition: Vol. 95 - No. 11 Published: 11/01/2003 Number of Pages: 15 File Size: 1 file , 710 KB