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Drinking Water Research
Advancing the Science of Water®
April–June 2010 volume 20, number 2 utility tools capital efficiency total coliform treatment chemicals case studies effective regulation webcasts
2009 Year in Review

Drinking Water Research
Advancing the Science of Water®
FEATURES
A Year in Review Energy Consumption Effective Regulation
Adam Lang Linda Reekie Chris Rayburn
2 16 36
Top Five Reports of 2009 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Foundation Contacts
3 Linda Reekie
39
18
Other Reports Published in 2009: Webcasts
Surviving Recession
Infrastructure Adam Lang
Susan Turnquist
4 40
19
Management and Customer 2009 Funded Projects
Chlorine Dioxide
Relations
Kenan Ozekin 42
5
20
Water Quality
Algae Control
6
John Albert and Sunil Kommineni
Water Resources and Environmental
21
Sustainability
8 Underground Storage
Kenan Ozekin
Highlighted Reports from 2009: 22
Utility Tools EDCs and Pharmaceuticals
Correction: In the
Maureen Hodgins Djanette Khiari January–March 2010
9 23 issue of this newsletter,
Capital Efficiency Mitigating Vegetation Change a contributing author,
Susan Turnquist Linda Reekie
11
Djanette Khiari, was
24 unintentionally omitted.
Total Coliform Rule Disinfection By-Products
John Albert and Melinda Friedman The full list of Foundation
Djanette Khiari
12 25 staff contributors should
Simultaneous Compliance Water Quality read as follows: Hsiao-
Alice Fulmer Alice Fulmer wen Chen, Jonathan
13 27 Cuppett, Alice Fulmer,
Treatment Chemicals
Case Studies Grace Jang, Djanette
Traci Case
15
Kim Linton Khiari, and Ron Leblanc.
29
The Water Research Foundation is a member-supported, international, nonprofit organization that sponsors research to enable water utilities, public health agencies, and other professionals
to provide safe and affordable drinking water to consumers.
Editor: editor@WaterResearchFoundation.org
Contributing editor: Adam Lang
Art director: Cheri Dougherty
Drinking Water Research (ISSN 1055-9140) is published quarterly for $40 a year in North America ($50 elsewhere) by the Water Research Foundation,
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Periodicals postage paid at Denver, Colo.
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The Water Research Foundation provides contracts for studies of problems in the water supply industry. The Foundation assumes no responsibility for the content of the research studies reported or for the opin-
ions or statements of fact expressed by contributors in this publication. The mention of tradenames or commercial products does not represent or imply the Foundation’s approval or endorsement. Drinking Water
Research is published for general information purposes only.
Copyright © 2009 Water Research Foundation. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Published in the U.S.A. Printed on recycled paper.
No part of this publication may be copied, reproduced or otherwise utilized without permission.
APRIL– JUNE 2010 S DRINKING WATER RESEARCH

VIEWPOINT
Farewell from the Foundation Chair

In June, after nine years on the Board of Trustees and the past three as Chair, I will step down. I have
been honored to work with the Foundation’s Board, whose members are each highly accomplished
and devoted to the Foundation’s mission. I look forward excitedly to see how the Foundation will
evolve and mature to meet subscribers’ needs.
During my tenure, I was continually struck by the importance of the Foundation’s work. By providing
world-class, globally recognized research, it helps drinking water utilities continue to provide clean,
affordable water. The Foundation’s work includes identifying and mitigating risks, maintaining
operational and financial stability, investing wisely in infrastructure, planning for the future in the face
of uncertainty, and communicating all of this to the public.
Further, the Foundation’s integrity remains high because all research stands on sound science. As a
result, Foundation projects and reports are widely respected by policy makers, regulators, and utilities.
The Foundation must balance responding to urgent issues while keeping a long-term view. In the past three years, it found
new ways to bridge these time frames through a new research program and more timely communications. Among our key
accomplishments were:
• Rapid Response Research Program: In 2007, we developed the Rapid Response Research Program to provide quicker
responses to urgent, immediate, or unforeseen needs. As of April 2010, we had funded five projects as part of this
program, on issues ranging from chemical supply shortages to utility responses to the recession.
• Name Change: In 2009, the Foundation changed its name from AwwaRF to the Water Research Foundation to better
differentiate the organization and to support our goal of serving the entire water community.
• Board Organization: In 2010, the Board streamlined its appointments, providing a broader reach of water industry
stakeholders. This will support the Foundation’s mission of leading research for the water community.
• New Communications Media: Research is of no value if it is not available to subscribers when they need it. Gone are the
days when subscribers could only get a printed report. We have embraced new technologies and multiple media to help
subscribers receive our research faster. We now use Webcasts, press releases, executive summaries, and downloadable
PDFs alongside our traditional printed, bound reports. We are also on the cusp of unveiling a new Website that will better
meet subscriber needs and expectations.
• Maintained Subscriber Support: During the past two years, throughout the worst economic downturn since the Great
Depression, our subscribers have continued to support the Foundation, illustrating the ongoing value of our research.
Going forward, I am excited to witness the transition to the leadership of Roy Wolfe as chair, Denise Kruger as vice-chair, and
Charles Murray as treasurer. They will take over an organization shoulder-deep in the most important and controversial issues
of our time: climate change, endocrine disrupting compounds, distribution system water quality, and sustainability, to name a
few. Fortunately, they will be atop an organization with an outstanding history of leadership and a talented staff to implement
policies and decisions.
My deep-felt thanks to the many Board members I have had the pleasure of working with, as well as the Foundation’s
dedicated, talented, and enthusiastic staff. Thank you also to the more than 950 subscribers and partners and the hundreds of
volunteers who make the Foundation such an incredible resource to the water community. Together, we have more influence
on the development of safe, high quality drinking water worldwide than any of us could hope to wield individually.
Sincerely,
David E. Rager
Chair, Board of Trustees
DRINKING WATER RESEARCH S APRIL– JUNE 2010
A Year in Review
Introduction
Adam Lang, Water Research Foundation publishing manager
This inaugural “Year in Review” issue of saving on chemical costs, and other
Drinking Water Research provides readers examples. This article is particularly
with an array of information on what the important because it not only shows
Foundation produced in 2009. The purpose subscribers how they can use project-
of the Year in Review is not only to describe specific research results, but also acts
what the Foundation produced, but more as a guide on ways to apply Foundation
importantly, how Foundation subscribers research in general.
can access and use this research. This issue
also touches upon the many different ways The following article, “Foundation Research
subscribers can retrieve research results and Effective Regulation,” explains how
for a specific project or topic, whether by Foundation research in 2009 provided
viewing an archived Webcast, reading a information that helps underpin rulemaking
printed research report, or downloading and regulatory policy development with
an Executive Summary from the new the best available science. This is illustrated
Foundation Website. using four examples: the Total Coliform
Rule (TCR) and related distribution system
The first section of this issue contains activities, perchlorate, Contaminant
information about the reports and other Candidate List 3 (CCL3), and the Lead and
deliverables that the Foundation produced Copper Rule (LCR). The U.S. Environmental
in 2009. A table lists all the deliverables Protection Agency (USEPA) has recently
published with publication dates and signaled a renewed emphasis on rulemaking
goal areas, while emphasizing the top five for drinking water. Therefore, this and future
reports ordered by subscribers in 2009. On updates on regulatory activities should be
the following pages, 22 of the 50 project key for subscribers.
reports are highlighted. These reports were
selected for a numbers of reasons, including The next section discusses Webcasts the
popularity among subscribers based on Foundation conducted in 2009, both hosted
orders, timeliness of the topic, or because here at the Foundation and conducted with
they represent an important advancement partnering organizations. Lists are included
of knowledge on a lesser-known but of all the 2009 Webcasts as well as the top
emerging topic. five viewed Webcasts of 2009. All Foundation
hosted Webcasts and/or the slides, audio,
The next article, “Utilities Use Research: and Q&A are available to subscribers to
How It Helped Them and How It Can view or download from our Website. As
Help You,” highlights examples of how more subscribers are finding it necessary to
Foundation research was directly applied limit conference attendance, Webcasts have
by our subscribers in 2009. It focuses on become a great way for subscribers to learn
how utilities used our research in areas from, and question directly, the researchers
such as building intra-regional cooperation, who conduct our projects.
justifying needs to their board of directors
or state regulators, solving treatment Lastly, this issue wraps up with a list of
problems, complying with regulations, projects that were funded by the Foundation
2 APRIL– JUNE 2010 S DRINKING WATER RESEARCH

A Year in Review
in 2009. The list includes 57 projects under In 2009, as in every year, the Foundation Subscribers may
download free
the various Foundation research programs. produced a lot of important research. This copies of most
Over the next few months to years, these Year in Review was developed to provide Foundation reports
projects will produce workshops, research subscribers with an easy-to-access booklet from the Website at
www.WaterRF.org.
reports, partnership conferences, Web tools, summarizing this information and guide They may also request
and a number of other deliverables that them on how to access and use it. free printed reports by
contacting Foundation
describe the research and conclusions. Customer Service
by telephone at +1
888.844.5082 or by
e-mail to rfreports@
WaterResearch
Foundation.org.
Top Five Reports of 2009
Publication Publication More on

Title Order # Project # Goal Area
Format Date Page #
Management
Benefit Cost Analysis Tool CD-ROM only 91260 4127 9/1/2009 and Customer page 9
Relations
Management
Improving Water Utility Capital Efficiency Print + PDF 91257 3119 6/9/2009 and Customer page 11
Relations
Strategies for Managing Total Coliform and 3116/

Print + PDF 91259 8/13/2009 Water Quality page 12
E.Coli in Distribution Systems 4130
Decision Tool to Help Utilities Develop

Print + PDF 91263 3115 9/14/2009 Water Quality page 13
Simultaneous Compliance Strategies
Supply of Critical Drinking Water and

Management
Wastewater Treatment Chemicals—A
Print + PDF 91264 4225 7/23/2009 and Customer page 15
White Paper for Understanding Recent
Relations
Chemical Price Increases and Shortages
DRINKING WATER RESEARCH S APRIL– JUNE 2010 3

Other Reports Published in 2009
Infrastructure

Name of Publication Order # Project #
Format Date Page #
Abiotic Degradation of DBPs in Distribution Systems Print + PDF 91247 2990 7/23/2009 page 25
Commercialization of the Digital Leak Detector PDF only 4041 4041 8/20/2009 N/A
Print only
Guidance for Decontamination of Water System (sensitive-
2981 2981 2/20/2009 N/A
Infrastructure security
report)
Impact of Phosphate Corrosion Inhibitors on Cement-Based

Print + PDF 4033 4033 11/18/2009 N/A
Pipes and Linings
Large Diameter Trunk Main Failures Print + PDF 91266 4076 8/13/2009 N/A
Look Ahead Technology for Horizontal Directional Drilling—

PDF only 2967 2967 10/22/2009 N/A
Phase 2
Non-Uniform Corrosion in Copper Piping—Monitoring

Print + PDF 91251 3109 7/23/2009 N/A
Techniques
Performance of Water Supply Systems in the February 28,

PDF only 91178 2846 5/8/2009 N/A
2001 Nisqually Earthquake
Proof-of-Concept Model to Predict Water Quality Changes in

PDF only 91244 2970 7/2/2009 N/A
Distribution Pipe Networks (Q-WARP)
The Role of Free Chlorine, Chloramines, and NOM on the

Print + PDF 91243 3172 5/15/2009 N/A
Release of Lead Into Drinking Water
Vinyl Chloride and Organotin Stabilizers in Water Contacting

PDF only 2991 2991 12/23/2009 N/A
PVC Pipes

Management and Customer Relations

Format Date Page #
Developing a Risk Management Culture—Mindfulness in the

Print + PDF 91242 3184 4/21/2009 N/A
International Water Utility Sector
Evaluation of Dynamic Consumption of Advanced Water and

Print + PDF 91231 3056 12/31/2008 page 16
Wastewater Treatment Systems
Enhancement of QualServe Tools to Improve Utility

PDF only 91258 4110 7/2/2009 N/A
Operations
Greenhouse Gas Emission Inventory and Management

Print + PDF 91265 4156 9/14/2009 page 18
Strategy Guidelines for Water Utilities
Optimizing Information Technology Solutions for Drinking

Print + PDF 91262 4097 10/22/2009 N/A
Water Utilities
Surviving or Thriving in Economic Recession: Strategies of

Print + PDF 4296 4296 11/30/2009 page 19
Water Utility Leaders
Tool for Risk Management of Water Utility Assets Print + PDF 91246 4126 7/23/2009 page 9

Water Quality

Format Date Page #
Arsenic Coagulation with Iron, Aluminum, Titanium, and

PDF only 3078 3078 4/21/2009 N/A
Zirconium Salts
Control of Distribution System Water Quality Using Inhibitors Print + PDF 91241 2702B 12/31/2008 N/A
Data Processing and Analysis for Online Distribution System

Print + PDF 91226 3035 12/29/2008 page 28
Monitoring
Desalination Product Water Recovery and Concentrate

Print + PDF 91240 3030 5/20/2009 page 28
Volume Minimization
Design and Performance Guidelines for UV Sensor Systems Print + PDF 91236 2977 9/25/2009 N/A
Developing a Strategy to Increase the Value of Regulatory

Cryptosporidium Monitoring: Cryptosporidium Detection PDF only 4178 4178 12/23/2009 N/A
Method Research Needs: Phase I Workshop
Evaluation of Disinfection Practices for DBP and Precursor

Print + PDF 91245 3026 7/13/2009 page 26
Occurrence in Consecutive Systems
Ferrous Carbonate Beds as an Inexhaustible Source of

PDF only 3162 3162 6/29/2009 N/A
Fe(OH)3 for Arsenic Removal
Hypochlorite—An Assessment of Factors That Influence the

PDF only 4147 4147 10/15/2009 N/A
Formation of Perchlorate and Other Contaminants
Identification of Heterotrophic Bacteria That Colonize

Print + PDF 91230 3088 12/31/2008 N/A
Chloraminated Drinking Water Distribution Systems
Localized Treatment for Disinfection By-Products Print + PDF 91254 3103 6/22/2009 page 25
Mammalian Cell Cytotoxicity and Genotoxicity of

Print + PDF 91249 3089 10/22/2009 page 27
Disinfection By-Products
Metal (Fe, Ti) Impregnated Granular Activated Carbon for

PDF only 4058 4058 4/21/2009 N/A
Removing Arsenic and Co-Occurring Contaminants (Phase II)
Occurrence and Formation of Nitrogenous Disinfection By-

Print + PDF 91250 3014 8/27/2009 page 26
Products
Pilot-Testing an Ion Exchange Technology for Selective and

PDF only 4057 4057 11/2/2009 N/A
Regenerative Arsenic Removal (Phase II)

Water Quality

Format Date Page #
PPCPs and EDCs—Occurrence in the Detroit River and Their

Print + PDF 3071 3071 10/22/2009 N/A
Removal by Ozonation
Probabilistic Modeling Framework for Assessing Water

Print + PDF 3017 3017 12/30/2009 N/A
Quality Sampling Programs
Progress Towards a Rapid and Simultaneous Concentration

of Microbes in Drinking Water Using Ultrafiltration and PDF only 3171 3171 7/2/2009 N/A
Dielectrophoresis
Removal of Arsenic by Sorption to Iron-Coated Fibers PDF only 3161 3161 8/20/2009 N/A
Removal of Bulk Organic Matter, Organic Micropollutants,

Print + PDF 91261 3180 10/22/2009 N/A
and Nutrients During Riverbank Filtration
Real-time On-line Monitoring of Contaminants in Water:

Developing a Research Strategy From Utility Experiences and PDF only 4025 4025 7/9/2009 N/A
Needs
State of the Science of Chlorine Dioxide in Drinking Water Print + PDF 91248 3150 3/4/2009 page 20
Strategies for Controlling and Mitigating Algal Growth

Print + PDF 91256 3111 5/20/2009 page 21
Within Water Treatment Plants
Subsurface Treatment for Arsenic Removal: Phase II

PDF only 4059 4059 4/21/2009 N/A
Investigation
Synthesis Document on Molecular Techniques for the

Print + PDF 91255 3110 7/17/2009 page 27
Drinking Water Industry
Utilization of NOM Characteristics to Improve Process

PDF only 2787 2787 10/15/2009 N/A
Selection and Performance – Workshop Results
Validating Disinfection in Ozone Contactors Print + PDF 91234 3168 3/17/2009 N/A

Water Resources and Environmental Sustainability

Name of Publication Order # project #
Format Date Page #
Arsenic Removal by Tailored Activated Carbon at Ambient pH PDF only 3163 3163 6/26/2009 N/A
Critical Assessment of Implementing Desalination Technology Print + PDF 91253 4006 9/29/2009 N/A
Design, Operation and Maintenance for Sustainable

Print + PDF 91239 3034 12/29/2008 page 22
Underground Storage Facilities
Evaluation of Innovative Regenerable and Non-Regenerable

PDF only 3165 3165 6/26/2009 N/A
Adsorption Media for Arsenic Removal
Identification of Source Areas to Public Water Intakes and

Mixing Characteristics of the Ohio River Near the City of PDF only 3179 3179 9/25/2009 N/A
Cincinnati, Ohio—Utility Perspectives and Lessons Learned
Inland Membrane Concentrate Treatment Strategies for

Print + PDF 91233 3096 3/13/2009 N/A
Water Reclamation Systems
Metal-Doped Hydrogel Media for Arsenic Removal in

PDF only 3159 3159 6/26/2009 N/A
Drinking Water and Arsenic Brine Minimization
A Novel Hybrid Forward Osmosis Process for Drinking Water

PDF only 4150 4150 9/16/2009 N/A
Augmentation Using Impaired and Saline Water Sources
Potential Groundwater Quality Impacts Resulting From

Print + PDF 4203 4203 12/9/2009 N/A
Geologic Carbon Sequestration
Quagga and Zebra Mussel Control Strategies Workshop:

PDF only 4200 4200 5/29/2009 N/A
White Paper
Toxicological Relevance of EDCs and Pharmaceuticals

Print + PDF 91238 3085 12/11/2008 page 23
in Drinking Water
Utility Guidance for Mitigating Catastrophic Vegetation

Print + PDF 91252 4009 7/22/2009 page 24
Change in Watersheds
Water Quality Changes During Aquifer Storage and Recovery PDF only 2974 2974 8/20/2009 N/A
Water Treatment Residuals Management for Small Systems Print + PDF 91235 4010 3/13/2009 N/A
Subscribers may download free copies of most Foundation reports from the Website at www.WaterRF.org. They may also request free printed reports by
contacting Foundation Customer Service by telephone at +1 888.844.5082 or by e-mail to rfreports@WaterResearch Foundation.org.

Utility Tools
Tools for Benefit Cost Analysis

and Risk Management
Maureen Hodgins, Water Research Foundation project manager
Risk management and benefit cost analyses benefit cost analysis in the global water
are essential for asset management. industry. The tool is interactive and
Both are basic concepts for economists contains explanatory text, flowcharts, a
but probably unfamiliar territory for benefit cost spreadsheet, and two example
engineers. In 2009, the Foundation analyses. The guidance is contained in six
published two reports that explain the steps: define objectives, establish baseline
elements of risk management and benefit assumptions/parameters, measure costs
cost analysis as well as provide templates and benefits, determine net present value,
in Microsoft Excel®. These projects were examine distributional impacts, and
collaborations by international water finalize recommended option. A utility
research organizations1 via the Global manager can either follow the process
Water Research Coalition (GWRC) and step-by-step or use the tool to provide
represent leveraging of research dollars, but more detailed information on a particular
more importantly, sharing international aspect of the analysis. More work needs
knowledge. The valuation steps are the to be done on valuation of the costs and
remaining primary challenge in executing benefits (especially indirect cost/benefits)
these analyses. associated with an investment decision.
Benefit Cost Analysis Tool (order #91260/ Foundation report, Tool for Risk
project #4127) developed a Web-based tool Management of Water Utility Assets
to help asset managers make decisions (order #91246/project #4126) developed a 1. The risk
based on a systematic assessment of high-level risk management process that management project
was funded by
the benefits and costs of any proposed could be implemented at various levels UK Water Industry
project. This tool is based on a UK Water of detail, derived from the International Research (lead), Water
Environment Research
Industry Research Ltd tool2 developed in Infrastructure Management Manual and
Foundation, Water
manual form, which is at the forefront of the Australia and New Zealand standard Services Association
of Australia, and
the Water Research
Foundation. The
Topic-Related Resources: benefit cost tool
project was funded
by UK Water Industry
• “AwwaRF Research Provides Tools to Help Water Utilities Manage Risk,” by Linda Reekie, Research, Water
Drinking Water Research, volume 17, number 3 (May-June 2007): page 11. Environment Research
Foundation (lead),
• “Managing Infrastructure Assets: A Look at New Research Findings,” by Frank Blaha, Maureen and Water Research
Hodgins, Jennifer Warner, and Jian Zhang, Drinking Water Research, volume 17, number 6 Foundation.
(November-December 2007): page 2. 2. UK Water Industry
• “Asset Management for Beginner and Advanced Asset Programs,” Sunday Workshop at Research, 2006. The
Role and Application of
AWWA’s Utility Management Conference February 2009 Cost Benefit Analysis—
• “Strategic Asset Management: Benefit Cost Tool,” May 6, 2009 Webcast, presented by Volume I: Generic
Guidance (07/RG/07/9),
Duncan Rose, GHD London: UK Water
Industry Research.

Utility Tools
AS/NZS 4360. Risk management is risk

assessment plus actually reducing the
risks. The report and tool explain the
concept, allowing risks to be compared
and prioritized as points or currency.
The process considers cost, decision
models, strategic security, the role of
expert judgment, and the impact of asset
standards on performance (including
environmental), risk, customer service, and
investment requirements. It is organized
in five steps: establish the context, identify
risks, evaluate risks, evaluate treatment
options, and treat risks. Multiple treatment
options can be identified and assessed. The
tool will aid the decision-making process
through analysis and ranking options.
Foundation subscribers can access the

final products on the Foundation Website
in two ways: (1) by their report number or
(2) via project #4013 for the Sustainable
Infrastructure Management Program Learning
Environment (SIMPLE) Website, where
the tools can be found under the heading
“Strategic Asset Management Tools.”

Capital Efficiency
Improving Water Utility Capital

Efficiency
Susan Turnquist, Water Research Foundation project manager
The water sector is the most capital-intensive the Lean Construction Institute (LCI), and
regulated industry. Capital costs account for the California Multi-Agency (CMA) CIP
more than half of the annual budget at most Benchmarking Study. They developed
utilities. Improving Water Utility Capital models for a toolkit and piloted these in
Efficiency (2009, order #91257/project several utilities.
#3119) examined best practices in capital
improvement programs (CIP), both within The most common problems mentioned
the water industry and the construction by utilities were rising material costs,
industry. The report includes the research affordability, project timing, and project
team’s findings as well as a toolkit containing selection. One utility panel and the case
a capital efficiency model, a drinking water studies indicated that possibly the single
cost model, a wastewater cost model, and a largest cost driver is the risk-averse nature of
capital project readiness index. municipal utility contracts, which place most
or all of the risk on contractors.
The report reviews a number of trends that
contribute to the rising costs of capital The study team found that other sectors
projects, high among them, increasing appear to be more active in pursuing
energy costs as well as the increasing capital efficiencies, but that water utilities
competition for raw materials from rapidly could improve by strengthening their use
growing economies such as China and India. of best practices, metrics, use of non-
The study team used a survey of utilities construction and “lighter construction”
and other methods to identify capabilities, alternatives, improving the project definition
best practices, major problems (as seen and selection process, and considering
by utilities), and use of metrics. They also alternative project delivery methods. Tools
identified three sources of CIP best practices: for these components were developed and
the Construction Industry Institute (CII), tested and are included in the CD toolkit.
More Utility Revenues and CIP projects:

• Surviving or Thriving in Economically Challenging Times: Strategies of Water Utility Leaders
(2009, order/project #4296)
• Water Budgets & Rate Structures (2008, order #91205/project #3094)
• “Expanding Water Utility Services: What are the Options and What do Customers Want” (project #4171)
• Best Practice in Customer Payment Assistance Programs (2009, order/project #4004)
• “Setting Water Utility Investment Priorities: New Survey Tools” (project #4085)
All of these will be presented in a special session at the American Water Works Association’s Annual Conference
& Exposition (ACE) 2010.

Total Coliform Rule
Strategies for Managing Total Coliform

and E. coli in Distribution Systems
John Albert, Water Research Foundation senior account manager and
Melinda Friedman, Confluence Engineering Group LLC
The total coliform rule (TCR) is • Fate and Transport of Coliform in the
meant to assess the adequacy of water Distribution System
treatment, indicate the presence of • Evaluation of Coliform Monitoring
fecal contamination, and determine the Techniques and Comparison of Indicators
integrity of the distribution system. The
• Use and Application of Source Tracking
TCR, however, does not give guidance to
Tools in Drinking Water
utilities should they have a positive test
result. Understanding the cause of positive • Tools and Methods Using Utility Data
results and ways to manage ongoing events, for Identifying Causes of Coliform
as well as prevent future positive results, Occurrences
is essential for utilities to maintain their
compliance with the rule. In addition to the issue papers, the project
team also developed case studies from
There are no universal strategies that can be eight utilities that successfully responded
applied in distribution systems to resolve to total coliform events. These case studies
total coliform and/or E. coli occurrences provide other utilities with insights on how
since each system has its own structural, to pragmatically apply a response strategy
chemical, and operational characteristics. and the considerations involved.
Strategies for Managing Total Coliform
and E.coli in Distribution Systems (2009, Once a total coliform event has been
order #91259/project# 3116) provides identified, understanding how the
utilities with an array of issue papers, contamination occurred and linking it to
tracking tools, and a decision support the source is important. The project team
tool to respond to coliform and E. coli assessed several tracking methods that
occurrences. This report will aid utilities utilities experiencing frequent coliform
in developing a tailored response to these positives can apply.
types of occurrences.
Finally, the project team developed a
The project team developed the following distribution system microbial integrity
five issue papers that provide insight on toolbox to systematically respond
the current state of what is known about and manage total coliform and E. coli
coliform monitoring. Although each issue occurrences. The tool covers microbial
paper was developed as a stand-alone occurrence scenarios for both large and
document, collectively they offer the reader small systems. Once an appropriate
a broad perspective on strategies used to scenario is selected, the report guides the
maintain compliance with the TCR. reader through appropriate investigative
• Source of Coliforms and Causes of strategies followed by specific corrective
Coliform Positives actions. While developing response

Total Coliform Rule
strategies, the research team also took within the distribution system and
into consideration revisions to the TCR captures several successful utility response
to make them applicable after the rule strategies. All of this work culminates
is promulgated. with an applied decision support tool
that aids a utility in tailoring an appropriate
The research team highlights the state response strategy.
of the science in coliform assessment
Simultaneous Compliance
Decision Tool to Help Utilities Develop

Simultaneous Compliance Strategies
Alice Fulmer, Water Research Foundation senior project manager
Without careful planning and proper The Simultaneous Compliance

implementation, utility actions originally Tool (SCTool), located at www.
intended to improve compliance can instead simultaneouscompliancetool.org, is
produce adverse unintended consequences. intended to assist utilities in evaluating
Simultaneous compliance conflicts and appropriate treatment technology choices
unintended consequences are frequently to comply with multiple and/or conflicting
associated with modifying existing water quality goals, with particular
treatment operations and new technology attention toward challenges posed by the
implementation. Treatment changes can source water, treatment, and distribution
also create new challenges for residuals system conditions/limitations. The SCTool
management and wastewater discharges, utilizes a framework of technology-based
as well as aesthetics such as taste, odor, rules to identify potential unintended
and color. Decision Tool to Help Utilities consequences and simultaneous
Develop Simultaneous Compliance compliance conflicts resulting from
Strategies (2008, order #91263/project selection of a particular technology
#3115) developed a Web-based decision- in the context of system-specific inputs
making assistance tool that allows utilities on water quality, treatment configurations,
to more simply identify and assess potential operational data, and management
simultaneous compliance conflicts and other characteristics. It also allows users to
negative unintended consequences. evaluate the way changes in these system

Simultaneous Compliance
input characteristics contribute to or

resolve conflicts and consequences
that possibly may occur. For example,
a utility looking to minimize
trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic
acids (HAAs) is presented with several
treatment options capable of meeting this
goal, including conversion to chloramines.
If conversion to chloramines is selected,
current system-specific water quality
parameters are requested to determine if
the utility could potentially face problems
with nitrification, corrosion control and
distribution system scale stability, and
localized breakpoint chlorination. The
technology-based rules use these inputs
to generate green lights or red flags,
explanations regarding the logic behind
them, and potential solutions to any red
flags. The SCTool then allows utility
users to modify anticipated future
system conditions to eliminate or
minimize the potential for compliance
conflicts and thereby facilitate more
informed decisions about the suitability
and implications of new treatment
technology or operational practices.
The SCTool is currently being updated to

better assist small water systems, recognizing
that small systems are faced with unique
challenges and limited resources. The update
entails adding treatment technologies and
water quality challenges typically employed
and encountered by small systems, as
well as other enhancements intended to
increase the tool’s ease of use. This update
is scheduled to be completed in June 2010,
and the original tool is available for use
during this process. A Foundation Webcast
is planned for August 2010 to highlight the
SCTool and its new features.

Treatment Chemicals
Drinking Water and Wastewater

Treatment Chemical Prices and
Shortages: What Does the Future Hold?
Traci Case, Water Research Foundation project manager
From 2003 to 2008, the world experienced of future price increases or chemical supply
the largest commodity price boom shortages:
compared to any experienced in the 20th • When contracting, tie chemical prices in
century (World Bank, 2009). This boom, the contract to a price index such as the
followed by a bust in mid-2008, led to limited independently published producer price
supply relative to demand, which ultimately index (PPI).
translated to increasing prices and more • Although a utility can get better prices from
frequent shortages of water treatment large volume purchases, it may be better to
chemicals. In order to study this issue and use two sources of supply.
its effect on drinking water and wastewater
• Consider regional purchasing solutions
utilities, the Water Research Foundation,
to take advantage of potential economies
U.K. Water Industry Research, the American
of scale (i.e., share the cost of storage or
Water Works Association, and the Water
shipping).
Environment Research Foundation
commissioned a ‘rapid response’ research • Evaluate increased storage for chemicals
effort in 2009. It was published the same year with known supply issues.
as Supply of Critical Drinking Water and • Evaluate options for sources of supply and
Wastewater Treatment Chemicals—A White alternative chemicals. These options can
Paper for Understanding Recent Chemical be part of a utility’s emergency plan to be
Price Increases and Shortages (2009, order used only if the current option becomes
#91264/project #4225) unfeasible.
• Initiate a conversation on the local level
Outlook: The good news is that with with regulatory agencies and emergency
a decreasing worldwide demand for management officials to develop
commodities and decreasing energy contingencies for chemical supply issues.
prices, prices for chemicals are generally • When designing a new treatment plant or
expected to continue to decrease as they upgrading a facility, consider the price and
have since 2009. When worldwide economic reliability of chemical supply and include
growth returns after the current recession, designs that allow for alternative treatment
worldwide commodity demand is expected strategies.
to increase as well. As a result of stabilizing Reference: World Bank.
oil prices, it seems likely that water treatment In order to understand and control costs 2009. Global Economic
Prospects: Commodities
chemical prices will show a longer term while protecting public health, utilities at the Crossroads.
increase at moderate rates. should track chemical markets over time and The International Bank
invest in planning that can help manage the for Reconstruction
and Development/
What can a utility do? The following risk associated with future water treatment The World Bank,
strategies can help to minimize the impact market volatility. Washington D.C.

Energy Consumption
Evaluation of Dynamic Energy

Consumption of Advanced Water and
Wastewater Treatment Technologies
Linda Reekie, Water Research Foundation project manager
Evaluation of Dynamic Energy suggests that feed pressure is the principle

Consumption of Advanced Water and factor affecting the energy efficiency of
Wastewater Treatment Technologies the RO membrane systems investigated.
(2008, order #91231/project #3056) was However, feed pressure is influenced
funded to explore the more intensive energy by many factors such as membrane
consumption (EC) of advanced treatment permeability, total dissolved solids, and
technologies such as ultraviolet (UV) light temperature, so additional work is needed
disinfection, ozonation, and membrane to determine the factors ultimately affecting
processes over conventional technologies. specific EC.
This investigation included the following:
Three case studies are provided on EC
• Developing a standard framework
of ozone systems for drinking water
to evaluate and compare energy
treatment. Considering the data from all
consumption and efficiency of advanced three ozonation facilities, the specific
treatment technologies. EC correlated with the operating ozone
• Performing energy audits at selected concentration. As the operating ozone
installations. concentration increased, the energy required
• Analyzing data and identifying energy to produce a unit weight of ozone decreased.
optimization opportunities. The results also indicate that site specific
optimal energy efficiency is achieved when
• Developing general guidelines for energy
systems are operated at conditions that
consumption analysis and optimization.
generate ozone near design concentrations.
Ambient air fed systems consumed the most
Two case studies are provided on EC
amount of energy, while liquid oxygen fed
of low-pressure membrane systems for
systems consumed the least.
drinking water and reuse water applications.
Factors investigated in the case studies Two case studies are provided on EC of
for their relationship to EC included water UV systems for drinking water and reuse
production rates, water temperature, and water treatment. The data support that EC
turbidity. There was no clear correlation of UV systems is directly proportional to the
between water temperature or turbidity and number of lamps that are in operation.
EC. There was evidence that specific energy
use was greatest at low water production Finally, two case studies are provided on
rates and it declined with increased water the EC of membrane bio-reactors (MBR) for
production rates. wastewater treatment. The data suggests that
the energy efficiency of MBR systems could
Three case studies are provided on EC of be optimized through efforts focusing on the
reverse osmosis (RO) systems for drinking air scour system , which is the most energy
water and reuse water treatment. The data intensive part of the MBR.

Energy Consumption
The research indicated that UV and ozone disinfection, increasing flow rate results in a
disinfection processes have the lowest decreasing specific EC and energy efficiency
EC values ranging from .02 to .09 kilowatt potentially could be optimized by operating
hours per 1000 gallons (kWh per 1000 near design capacity. Optimizing the EC of
gal) for UV and .02 to .16 for ozone; while a water treatment plant is one of the easiest
pressure-driven processes (ultrafiltration, ways to reduce the operating costs. The
RO, membrane bioreactors) exhibited higher framework for planning and performing
specific EC values ranging from .5 to 7.5 an EC analysis at a water treatment plant is
kWh per 1000 gal. With the exception of UV shown in the figure below.
Step 1: Step 2: Step 3:

Compile Detailed Information Conduct Inventory to Benchmark Results
About the Treatment System Determine Distribution of Power to Similar Facilities if Possible
Step 4: Step 5: Step 6:

Determine Pump and Equipment Develop Detailed Create Energy
Efficiencies (% or kWh/mg) Process Analysis Conservation Measures
Step 7: Step 8:
Quantify Promising
Develop Implementation Program
Energy Conservation Measures
Step 9:
Implement Most Effective
Energy Conservation Measures
The framework for planning and performing an EC analysis at a water treatment plant

Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Greenhouse Gas Emission Inventory

and Management Strategy Guidelines
for Water Utilities
Although water utilities generally are most protocols, GHG emissions are divided
not required to report their greenhouse into the following three categories:
gas (GHG) emissions under the USEPA • Scope 1 (direct) GHG emissions are
Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule because released from sources within the
they emit far less than the 25,000 metric organizational boundary of the entity
tons of C02 equivalents annually, there may being inventoried.
be other drivers for utilities to track their
• Scope 2 (indirect) GHG emissions are
GHG emissions. Greenhouse Gas Emission
released from sources outside of the
Inventory and Management Strategy
organizational boundary of the entity
Guidelines for Water Utilities (2009, order
being inventoried such as emissions
#91265/project #4156), co-funded by the
from the power plant that generates the
Water Research Foundation and California
electricity consumed by the entity.
Urban Water Agencies, provides guidance
for water utility staff to understand GHG • Scope 3 (optional indirect) GHG emissions
reporting programs, accounting principles are a broad category that covers all other
and existing guidelines, and emission releases that are indirect consequences of
estimation methodologies for GHG source the entity’s operations such as emissions
types relevant to water supply and treatment. from ozone generation. Scope 3 emissions
It is intended to support users in the are relatively minor for water utilities.
development of an inventory that is compliant
with the guidelines and requirements of any A water utility’s obligation for reporting
of the existing GHG registries and regulatory of GHG emissions is limited to Scope 1 or
programs applicable to water utilities in the Scope 2 emissions under most voluntary
United States. reporting programs, existing mandatory
reporting programs, and probable scenarios
The water industry contributes to GHG of future mandatory reporting programs or
emissions primarily through the use of cap and trade emission control schemes.
stationary combustion (e.g., boilers, heaters,
turbines), mobile combustion (e.g., vehicles), The guidelines from this report will help
and electricity consumption. According to utilities understand and implement the
More Information
A Webcast was presented on the guidelines by the principal investigator of the research, Doug
Huxley, CH2M HILL. Foundation subscribers can access the Webcast at: http://www.waterrf.org/
Resources/Webcasts/Pages/default.aspx (you will need to login).

Greenhouse Gas Emmissions
following important steps when developing • Understanding inventory issues specific to

an inventory: water utilities
• Understanding GHG accounting • Calculating indirect emissions, direct
fundamentals emissions, and unique emissions
• Describing the content of the inventory • Indentifying management strategies for
and setting utility boundaries reducing GHG emissions
• Defining a utility data management
strategy and systems
Surviving Recession
Surviving or Thriving in Economic

Recession: Strategies of Water
Utility Leaders
Susan Turnquist, Water Research Foundation project manager
The global economic recession that began in each of these. The following themes emerged
the second half of 2008 has challenged water during the 2-day discussion:
utilities to do more with less. Impacts have • The downturn has not treated all water
included reduced demand and revenues. utilities equally.
At the request of subscriber utility leaders,
• Utilities have employed a wide range of
the Foundation convened a leaders’ forum
strategies.
in September 2009 to discuss strategies
successfully used to enhance utility • The recession offered opportunities for
resilience in times of economic contractions. experimentation with new ideas.
• Other opportunities have been a boon to
Materials for discussion were provided utilities that are able to make use of them.
as nearly 50 templates completed by • Successful approaches offer ideas that
the leaders themselves, completed in should be customized according to how a
advance, and distributed during the
utility is owned and governed.
forum. The templates described leaders’
strategies in six areas: Operations, Capital • Utilities with long-term plans in place
& Risk Management, Finance, Revenue (credit rating, energy, IT) were a bit more
Enhancement, Communications & resilient.
Outreach, and Other. The templates form the • Vulnerabilities became more visible,
Appendix in the forum report (2009, order/ compared with more affluent times.
project #4296). Breakout groups focused on

Chlorine Dioxide
State of the Science of Chlorine

Dioxide in Drinking Water
Kenan Ozekin, Water Research Foundation senior project manager
Chlorine dioxide is a powerful oxidant expertise, and utility experiences through

that is used in drinking water treatment case histories as well as the expertise of
for disinfection, taste and odor control, individual authors. The book has nine
algae control, disinfection by-product chapters, which are listed below:
control, and iron and manganese • Chapter 1: Introductory Background
removal. The international drinking water and Legislative/Regulatory Perspectives
community has more than 60 years of
• Chapter 2: Chlorine Dioxide Chemistry,
experience with chlorine dioxide. There is
Reactions, and Disinfection By-Products
a wealth of practical information available
from water utilities, consultants, regulators, • Chapter 3: Generation Technologies
and other professionals regarding the and Chemical Safety
effective use of chlorine dioxide. Knowledge • Chapter 4: Application Strategies
gaps and unresolved issues related to in Drinking Water
chlorine dioxide usage have also been • Chapter 5: Inactivation of Microorganisms
recognized. However, much of this by Chlorine Dioxide
information exists in various publications. • Chapter 6: Distribution Systems
• Chapter 7: The Measurement of Residuals
The Water Research Foundation, in
and Monitoring Strategies
partnership with the Italian-based
Fondazione AMGA, recognized the need • Chapter 8: Drinking Water Treatment
for a reference book to summarize the with Chlorine Dioxide and Potential
current scientific knowledge on chlorine Health Effects
dioxide and its applications in drinking water • Chapter 9: Conclusions and Future
treatment. To produce the book, a select Research Needs
group of chlorine dioxide experts from both
Europe and North America was assembled Each chapter discusses the issue in depth and
to assimilate the vast body of knowledge on concludes with a list of research ideas related
the subject into a comprehensive state-of- to the chapter topic. Unlike previous research
the-science manual (2009, order #91248/ projects or user manuals on chlorine dioxide,
project #3150). Both European and North this book takes an integrated, global view. It
American experts were involved with each attempts to bridge the enormous gap that
chapter to maximize the cross-fertilization of exists between North American and European
their perspective chlorine dioxide experience. approaches to chlorine dioxide application
and regulation. Differences in generation
The book addresses updated practical technologies, monitoring requirements, and
approaches from a wide variety of source novel approaches to improved surveillance in
materials on chlorine dioxide. The intention public water systems are discussed.
of the authors and scientific editors is to
offer to a broad audience the most current
scientific information about chlorine dioxide,
along with operational practices, analytical

Algae Control
Strategies for Controlling and

Mitigating Algal Growth Within
Water Treatment Plants
John Albert, Water Research Foundation senior account manager and Sunil Kommineni, Malcolm Pirnie Inc.
Many utilities struggle with algal control This study surveyed over 70 water utilities and
strategies within their treatment plants. focused on their algal occurrences/events
Algal growth can have significant impacts and control efforts. This survey found that
on operations and water quality. Currently, the majority of algal events occur during
there is a lot of information on controlling the summer months, a majority of utilities
algal events in source waters; however, little experience algal events simultaneously in
on control within the treatment plant. As a both their source waters and within their
result, many utilities have developed control plants, and that algal growth occurred
strategies through trial and error. Strategies most commonly in sedimentation basins,
for Controlling and Mitigating Algal Growth headworks, filters, and flocculation basins
Within Water Treatment Plants (2009, order (respectively). The most popular control
#91256/project #3111) highlights successful strategies used by the utilities were
strategies and lessons learned by utilities. operational strategies such as cleaning basins
and equipment followed by chlorination
Algae may occur in several locations in a water (both for disinfection and shock), addition of
treatment plant; most commonly they are copper sulfate, and finally, addition of copper
found in flocculation basins, sedimentation sulfate. The report also discusses some
basins, and filter beds. Algae may be innovative techniques such as sonication, use
suspended (planktonic), floating mats/ of algaecides, and copper sheeting that are
paddies, attached to the bottom (benthic), not commonly used.
or attached (epiphytic). There are many
factors that affect algal growth, but they are Utilities can use this report to see what other
predominantly related to water quality and utilities have done to control algal growth in
climate. Algal events impact operations as their treatment plants as well as get detailed
filter run times are decreased, intake screens guidance on successful implementation of
clog, and there is an increased demand control strategies from the case studies. It
for coagulant due to the increase in algal explains the current understanding about
concentrations. Water quality is also impacted various control strategies and helps the reader
by excessive algal growth, which can cause pH determine the best type of strategy, and the
fluctuations, significant taste and odor issues, limitations, for their situation.
increased turbidity, and release of algal toxins.
More Information
The Water Research Foundation hosted a Webcast on this report, presented by Sunil Kommineni,
Malcolm Pirnie Inc. Foundation subscribers can access the Webcast at: http://www.waterrf.org/
Resources/Webcasts/Pages/default.aspx (you will need to login).

Underground Storage
Design, Operation, and Maintenance

for Sustainable Underground
Storage Facilities
Kenan Ozekin, Water Research Foundation senior project manager
Achieving a sustainable, reliable drinking technical variables that result in successful

water supply has emerged in recent years design, operation, and maintenance
as an increasingly important goal, not only of sustainable underground storage
in the United States, but also worldwide. (SUS) facilities. It discusses surface
This is being driven by population growth, and well recharge methods and includes
increasing water demands, declining a concise summary of the most important
groundwater levels, contamination of water lessons learned from the 22 operating and
sources, greater awareness of adverse failed recharge sites that were visited. It
environmental impacts, concern regarding also includes a proposed analytical
the potential impacts of global warming, approach that may be applied for water
and many other factors. utilities to reduce their vulnerability to
service interruption and thereby enhance
Among the many methods that are being their system reliability. Detailed case
applied to achieve this goal, managed studies are presented on a CD, providing
aquifer recharge is proving to be viable useful perspectives regarding how different
and cost effective. This report (2008, water utility systems have approached the
order #91239/project #3034) identified need for SUS.

EDCs and Pharmaceuticals
Toxicological Relevance of Endocrine

Disruptors and Pharmaceuticals
in Drinking Water
Djanette Khiari, Water Research Foundation project manager
Today, advanced analytical instrumentation for determining levels of exposure to

has made it possible to detect and identify environmental contaminants.
nearly any chemical contaminant in water
at extremely low concentrations. As a result, The study indicates that although some
trace levels of potential endocrine disrupting EDCs and pharmaceuticals can be detected
compounds (EDCs) and pharmaceuticals in water, there is no evidence of human
and other emerging contaminants have health risks from consumption of these
been detected in source water, and to a waters. It also shows that exposure to
lesser extent, in finished drinking water. estrogenic chemicals in diet is far greater
Although the effect of these compounds than in drinking water.
on aquatic life has been well documented,
their presence in drinking water has not The report provides utilities, regulators the
indicated an effect on human health. scientific community, and the public critical
information regarding the occurrence
The objective of this report (2008, and health relevance of EDCs and
order #91238/project #3085) was to pharmaceuticals in drinking water.
assess the occurrence of EDCs and
pharmaceuticals in water and conduct
a risk assessment based on standard
regulatory procedures to determine if these
compounds pose a risk to human health at
the concentrations found in drinking water.
A suite of 62 indicator pharmaceuticals

and potential EDCs were initially selected
based upon literature reviews of potential
for toxicity, occurrence, and analytical
capability. An in vitro bioassay was used
to screen for estrogenicity in water, several
bottled waters, and food and beverage
items. Risk evaluations for exposure
through drinking water were conducted
for 16 pharmaceuticals, 10 potential
EDCs, and 3 steroid hormones. Average
daily intakes (ADIs) were calculated using
methods consistent with USEPA approaches

Mitigating Vegetation Change
Utility Guidance for Mitigating

Catastrophic Vegetation Change
in Watersheds
Events causing catastrophic vegetation The report discusses in general terms the
change in watersheds include sudden implications of changes in watershed
natural events such as wildfire, storm events, vegetation and soils for drinking water
and mudslides. They include more gradually treatment. The report includes separate
occurring natural events like invasive plant chapters on each of the specific watershed
or insect outbreaks and drought. They events of wildfire, timber harvest, storms,
also include gradually occurring human- urbanization, insect pests and pathogens,
caused events such as land conversion from invasive plant species, agricultural
urbanization, agricultural development, development, and drought. Each chapter
or timber harvest. Utility Guidance for describes the effect of the specific event on
Mitigating Catastrophic Vegetation vegetation and soils, watershed processes,
Change in Watersheds (2009, order #91252/ surface water quantity and quality, and
project #4009) will help water utilities identifies management strategies to prevent
understand the importance of planning for and mitigate the specific events.
such events to help prevent them or mitigate
their impacts. Case studies are referenced throughout the
text to illustrate the concepts discussed.
The results of a literature search for the Eighteen case studies are presented in the
project, included as discussion in the text appendix to illustrate a diverse range of
and as an annotated bibliography on a CD- watershed types, events of concern, and
ROM, show commonalities between different protection strategies. Online resources are
large-scale events and their impacts on also introduced to help utilities assess their
vegetation and soils and subsequent impacts vulnerability.
on source water quality and quantity.
The general categories of water quality A number of principles for source water
parameters impacted by large-scale events protection planning and management are
include suspended solids, dissolved organic presented. Although catastrophic events
and inorganic chemicals, total organic such as those discussed in the report may
carbon, and microbial contamination. It is have a low probability of occurrence, the
important for water utilities to understand potential impacts can be significant and the
the impacts so that they can evaluate the risk events should be considered as part of any
of raw water quality parameter variability source water protection program.
and whether the variability is outside of the
design parameters of the drinking water
treatment plant.

Disinfection By-Product
Related Projects
Djanette Khiari, Water Research Foundation project manager
Four disinfection by-product (DBP)-related and most brominated DBPs are

reports were published in 2009. Three of highly susceptible to abiotic reductive
these reports focused on regulated DBPs dehalogenation, while trichloroacetonitrile
[trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic and trichloropropanone are the most
acids (HAAs)] in distribution systems. susceptible to hydrolysis. The results of
Findings from these reports will help this research have important implications
utilities meet Stage 2 Disinfectant and in understanding DBP fate in distribution
Disinfection By-Products Rule (Stage 2 systems, selecting monitoring locations,
D/DBPR) requirements. The fourth and estimating exposures.
project (order #91250/project #3014)
provides a better understanding of the Localized Treatment for Disinfection
formation, occurrence, and control of By-Products (order #91254/project #3103)
emerging DBPs, such as nitrosamines.
The purpose of this study was to investigate
an innovative approach for minimizing
Abiotic Degradation of DBPs in
DBPs in a drinking water distribution
Distribution Systems (order #91247/
system in order to meet Stage 2 D/DBPR
project #2990)
requirements. The study evaluated the
Water distribution systems are complex effectiveness of simple treatment processes,
environments typically containing corroded such as air stripping, biologically active
iron pipes and biofilm. The objective of carbon (BAC), and granulated active
this report was to investigate the abiotic carbon (GAC) in removing THMs and
degradation (i.e., hydrolysis and reductive HAAs in the distribution system. The study
dehalogenation) of DBPs in these systems. found that while air stripping was effective
DBPs were selected from six different at removing THMs, BAC was more effective
classes representing both regulated (i.e., at removing HAAs. Fresh GAC was very
THMs and acids HAAs and non-regulated effective at removing both THMs and
or “emerging” DBPs. Specific attention was HAAs. However, HAA removal decreased
focused on the roles of iron metal and iron after 10,000 bed volumes but increased
corrosion products in abiotic reductive upon establishment of biological activity
dehalogenation of DBPs. in the filters. In addition, a model was
developed to estimate the cost of localized
As expected, the relative importance treatment and THM and HAA levels in
of hydrolysis and abiotic reductive the distribution system. The use of this
dehalogenation depends on DBP structure treatment/reformation/cost model can help
and on environmental conditions (i.e., a utility select the optimum approach to
dissolved oxygen). The study showed that meet D/DBPR while minimizing cost.
chloropicrin (trichloronitromethane)

Evaluation of Disinfection Practices and N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA).

for DBP and Precursor Occurrence in Toxicology studies indicate that in general,
Consecutive Systems (order #91245/ N-DBPs tend to be more toxic than carbon-
project #3026) based DBPs.
Consecutive systems (CS) serve nearly one-
The main objective of this study was to
third of the water customers in the United
investigate the formation of N-DBPs so
Sates. One challenge facing CS is that they
that disinfection schemes can be optimized
must rely on their wholesale system (WS)
to minimize their formation. An important
service provider to supply water that allows
aspect in this project was to show how to
them to comply with D/DBPR. The focus of
best balance the control of regulated DBPs
this project was to identify strategies to assist
and that of emerging N-DBPs. Laboratory
CS in complying with the Stage 2 D/DBPR.
studies showed that the presence of traces
of dichloramines during chloramination
This research helps to better characterize
may favor the formation of nitrosamines
the relative formation of DBPs in WS
and that nitrosamine formation can be
and CS and identifies effective strategies
significant for plants using diallyl
to reduce concentrations. It provides
dimethyl ammonium chloride polymers.
suggestions regarding how to identify
Ozonation effectively reduces NDMA
acceptable DBP level goals from CS entry
formation by deactivating precursors
points and strategies for CS to reduce DBP
but can form significant halonitromethane
concentrations sufficiently to achieve
concentrations, while haloacetonitrile
compliance with the D/DBPR. The report
formation is significant for both
discusses development of coordinated
chlorination and chloramination. The
DBP monitoring programs to assist in
study showed that certain nitrogen-rich
characterization of DBP formation in WS
NOM isolates are important sources of
and CS and provide recommendations
N-DBP precursors.
regarding negotiations between CS and WS.
Occurrence and Formation of Nitrogenous

Disinfection By-Products (order #91250/
project #3014)
The increased contributions from treated
wastewater discharges and algal activity
in drinking water supplies can lead to
elevated levels of dissolved organic nitrogen
(DON), which can increase the likelihood
for the formation of nitrogenous DBPs
(N-DBPs) of health and regulatory concern
(e.g., haloacetonitriles, halonitromethanes,
nitrosamines). In addition, there is evidence
that the use of alternative disinfectants
such as chloramines, which minimize the
formation of the regulated DBPs (THMs and
HAAs), can favor the formation of certain
N-DBP species, such as cyanogen halides

Water Quality
Highlights of Four 2009 Foundation

Water Quality Reports
Alice Fulmer, Water Research Foundation senior project manager
Several Foundation water quality reports the focus of recent DBP research and
were published in 2009. The following have implications for utilities considering
reports didn’t get as much press as others, changing their current disinfection practices.
but they all advance the state of the science
on their respective topics and provide useful Synthesis Document on Molecular
results for utilities. Techniques for the Drinking Water Industry
(order #91255/project #3110)
Mammalian Cell Cytotoxicity and
The implementation of molecular
Genotoxicity of Disinfection By-Products
techniques is growing rapidly in clinical and
environmental microbiology. Some methods
Of the many known disinfection by- detect pathogenic organisms (culturable or
products (DBPs), only a small fraction not) within a few hours, instead of the days
of them have been evaluated for their required by cultivation. This report discusses
biological and toxicological effects. This the advantages and disadvantages of current
project investigated the mammalian cell and emerging molecular methods relevant
chronic cytotoxicity and acute genotoxicity to the water industry and their potential
of emerging DBPs and DBPs identified in for replacing or supplementing traditional
the USEPA Nationwide Occurrence Study. cultural methods and the reliance on
Based on the data generated in the report, indicator organisms. The intended audience
a mammalian cell toxicity database of 66 includes scientists and decision makers.
DBPs and related chemicals was prepared.
In general, emerging DBPs, especially The report’s findings show that molecular
iodinated and nitrogen-containing DBPs, methods are not yet ready for routine use
were found to be more cytotoxic and induce by most utilities nor currently at a state
a greater level of genomic DNA damage where they can be used for regulatory
in mammalian cells than brominated compliance because many molecular
and chlorinated DBPs such as those that techniques are still in the exploratory
are currently regulated. Among different stage. However, molecular technologies are
classes of DBPs, the rank order from most available that could be incorporated into
cytotoxic to least cytotoxic was determined the “ideal” system, which is envisioned as an
to be haloacetaldehydes > haloacetamides automated system capable of sampling large
> halonitromethanes > haloacetonitriles volumes of water that integrates sample
> 2C-haloacides > haloacetic acides > concentration, processing, and detection
halomethanes. For induced genomic DNA in a single platform. And there are many
damage in mammalian cells, the rank order reasons why molecular methods would be
from most genotoxic to least genotoxic a good tool for regulatory compliance of
was haloacetonitriles > haloacetamides > microbiological water quality if additional
halonitromethanes > haloacetaldehydes research and testing is conducted on the
> haloacetic acids > 2C-haloacids > removal of inhibitors, increasing specificity
halomethanes. These results have influenced and sensitivity, and growing acceptance.

Water Quality
Data Processing and Analysis for enhancement of system recovery and

Online Distribution System Monitoring minimization of concentrate volume. In
(order #91226/project #3035) Phase I, several desalination configurations
and technologies were assessed and
Online monitoring systems have the
an innovative approach was developed
potential to warn utilities of events or
for concentrate minimization that
contamination only if they can distinguish
included a primary reverse osmosis
patterns related to rapid changes in water
(RO) step followed by a concentrate
quality from the normal variability and
treatment scheme comprised of chemical
trends that occur in distribution systems.
precipitation, possible filtration, and
Therefore, this project evaluated and tested
secondary electrodialysis (ED) and/or
data processing methods for detecting
electrodialysis reversal (EDR). The report
anomalies and abnormal events in online
provides a practical and comprehensive
distribution system monitoring data. The
body of knowledge of other key promising
project resulted in several recommendations.
technologies/configurations as well. Phase
It found systematic collection of relevant
II focused on advancement of desalination
metadata to be essential for interpreting
technologies via further development
online water quality monitoring data, as was
and testing of the approach described
a regular schedule of sensor calibration and
above through bench-scale experiments,
maintenance and pre-processing of data.
modeling, and economic assessment. For
Additional methods identified in the report
the four water matrices evaluated using
for keeping false positives to a minimum
this approach, the recovery was estimated
include the use of control charts of data
to be enhanced from about 10–19 percent
differences to identify anomalies, forward
as compared to conventional RO without
prediction using Kalman filter techniques to
concentrate minimization. Life-cycle
identify anomalies on a variety of time scales
cost comparisons of this approach with
and determine if they are worthy of attention,
conventional RO at an equivalent recovery
and the tracking of water flow between
or zero-liquid-discharge indicated that it
multiple sensor locations using innate
can also be more cost effective.
fingerprints to confirm and trace anomalies
in real time. The report also recommends
that utilities set alarm levels to suit their
own particular circumstances and adopt the
event template methodology developed by
the project.
Desalination Product Water Recovery

and Concentrate Volume Minimization
A key challenge in the efficient
implementation of desalination
technologies for treating impaired waters
is the limiting process recovery and
consequent concentrate management
and disposal. The objective of this project
was to assess the state-of-science and
advance desalination technologies for

Case Studies
Utilities Use Research: How it Helped

Them and How it Can Help You
Kim Linton, Water Research Foundation senior account manager
Foundation subscribers use research in Utilities in the Bay Area leveraged their
a variety of ways. It is often used to craft involvement with the Foundation to build
strategic planning efforts, regional direction, a system that aims to establish long-term
or to develop insights to issues that are benefits to their region. East Bay Municipal
then carried to utility boards, regulators, Utility District, Santa Clara Valley Water
or citizenry. Other uses include making District, Contra Costa Water District, and
informed decisions on cost savings and San Francisco Public Utilities Commission
efficiency, improving operations, and co-funded Tailored Collaboration project
solving every day issues. This article provides #4157, “Bay Area Collaborative: Model for
some brief examples of how utilities used Regional Utility Cooperation.”
Foundation research during the last year.
The impetus of the project was the
Carl Yates, general manager, Halifax nationwide trend toward addressing
Regional Water Commission, echoed one complex issues regionally instead of at
of the frequently stated impacts about the state or federal level. The regional
participating in Foundation research. He effort evolved from informal monthly
finds that participating in Foundation work meetings held by the four directors of
as a case study provides an opportunity for operations from the co-funding utilities.
his staff to “…rub shoulders with colleagues The directors recognized the benefit of a
from the most progressive utilities in North more formal approach that would result in
America. This is an experience that cannot a strategic collaborative effort involving a
be replicated through conferences or broad number of stakeholders and would
seminars.” Although the value of this type produce a 5- and a 10-year plan. The project
of involvement is often difficult to quantify, explored different regional collaboration
the impact is seen by managers like Yates models, aided in identifying key areas of
as priceless. cooperation among the participants, and
ultimately guided the development of a
Intra-Regional Cooperation number of regional initiatives. The final
The recession has amplified the need to report will capture the process that the Bay
find efficiencies. We have heard feedback Area regional collaboration effort underwent
from several of our utilities that the Rapid resulting in a collaboration template that can
Response project, Surviving or Thriving in be applied by other utilities.
Economic Recession: Strategies of Water
Utility Leaders (2009, order/project #4296) The trends identified in A Strategic
provided insight to what other utilities have Assessment of the Future of Water Utilities
found to be effective during this challenging (2006, order #91108/project #3023) continue
time. Below is an example of what one region to evolve and are echoed in the Bay Area
in California is doing to combat not only the effort. Four areas of focus were selected by
recession, but other industry drivers as well. the “Bay Area Collaborative,” including

Case Studies
asset and management, emergency Explanation and Justification to Board of

preparedness, water quality, and workforce Directors and State Regulators
development. These four areas of focus
Utilities often reflect on the usefulness of using
represent key areas that provide significant
Foundation work as a basis for educational
opportunities to work together regionally
and communication purposes to customers,
to address common challenges.
federal and state regulators, and Congress.
One example of this is provided through the
In the first year of operation, project #4157 work the Foundation has supported on the
has shown significant accomplishments, issue of trace organics or what are frequently
including the following: called endocrine disruptors.
• Efforts to establish inter-organizational
benchmarking to evaluate maintenance Several Foundation supporters in
practices, contracting out, and the Washington, D.C. area, including
maintenance and capital planning. the Washington Suburban Sanitary
• Carrying out regional emergency response Commission (WSSC), have deep interest
exercises and cooperative efforts to meet in this issue. Dr.Mohammad Habibian,
the needs pointed out in those exercises. environmental group leader for the WSSC,
• Cooperative efforts to determine found that the work the Foundation has
vulnerability and possible response sponsored on endocrine disruptors or trace
strategies to quagga mussel infestation. organics to be particularly helpful, not only
to be informed at the utility level but to
• Working with educational institutions to extend that understanding to others and
assuring that skilled operator and trades to inform Congress through presentations
people will be available in the future. done by Dr. Shane Snyder, one of the lead
researchers on the topic. Dr. Snyder, now
Mike Wallis, director of operations at East on the faculty of Harvard University, was
Bay Municipal Utility District, found that research and development project manager
working through the Foundation helped to for Southern Nevada Water and also
create a strong outcome. He said, “I believe participated in the Endocrine Disruptor
that the Foundation Tailored Collaboration Screening and Testing Advisory Committee
funded project greatly enhanced our (EDSTAC). This committee is an advisory
ability to use regional approaches to solve committee to the USEPA.
problems and gain efficiencies in our
operations. While in the past, we had some One of the strongest projects Dr. Habibian
modest success in cooperative efforts, the and other utilities across the nation have
Tailored Collaboration project allowed our relied on is Toxicological Relevance of
four agencies to overcome the inertia to EDCs and Pharmaceuticals in Drinking
act and provided a safe structure to explore Water (2008, order #91238/project #3085).
how to best use regional approaches. This The analysis provided by this project
structured approach has succeeded in evaluates the relative risk of trace organic
developing real results in all four project compounds in drinking water compared
areas and, hopefully, the success of this to other sources of the compounds for
Tailored Collaboration project will provide humans. Habibian points out that, “while the
others with the impetus and mechanisms precautionary principle may warrant some
for collaborative regional approaches to proactive actions for eliminating/minimizing
problem solving and efficient operations.” potential human health risk, health risk

Case Studies
should be assessed with the big picture said. “If the Foundation study would not
in mind. Common sense accepts some have been available, the utility would have
level of risk, driving to work, for example. tried to reach out to other utilities to get
Common sense considers cost in avoiding some feedback. Overall, the Foundation
risk. We don’t drive armored vehicles. The work saved SCRWA substantial time. In
Foundation toxicology project provides a addition, staff would not have had the time
perspective of relative risk and helps to make or expertise to pull together the Foundation’s
sense of cost of risk avoidance… The project research that was accomplished.”
provides an eloquent, logical, scientifically
sound depiction of how exposure to Solving Treatment Problems
chemicals via drinking water seems to be
Julia Hunt, PE, director of water utilities
minimal compared to other sources.”
for the City of Arlington attributed their
participation in project #4215, “Enhancing
Another example of how Foundation work
Biofiltration to Achieve Sustained Removal
helps to provide information on behalf of
of Multiple Inorganic and Organic
utilities is from Connecticut. Like many
Contaminants, including EDCs, MIB,
other regions of the United States,
and Geosmin” with helping Arlington
Connecticut utilities are evaluating their
figure out how to more effectively run their
water usage and loss. State regulators are
biofiltration system. They are currently
putting limits on water withdrawals from
participating in “Assessing and Enhancing
rivers causing utilities to consider their
Biological Filtration” (project #4231).
usage in a new light. South Central Regional
“Through this research, we found out
Water Authority (SCRWA) started measuring
things we didn’t know 10 years ago
usage trends and started to see the impact
when we installed biological filters,” said
of low flow appliances and reduced usage.
Hunt. “As a result, we have installed a new
In addition, excessive rainfall has increased
filter configuration that is more effective
concern over meeting revenue requirements.
when using biological filters. These new
Although the utility saw the trends in their
investments will extend the life of our
own numbers, they wondered if other
facilities. Through this research, we know
utilities were seeing the same issues. They
how to optimize the operations of the filters
wanted to make sense out of annual usage
and remedy problems we were having
numbers to find out if there were larger
with our previous biological filters.” Hunt
trends that could be clarified.
estimates that if this research had been
available 10 years ago, Arlington would
Ted Norris, vice president, chief engineer
have saved $1 million in repairs and filter
of SCRWA, used the utility’s participation
replacements.
in Foundation report, North American
Residential Water Usage Trends Since 1992
Complying with THM Regulations
(2010, order/project #4031), along with
an SCRWA study to draw conclusions for Utilities currently comply with
presentations to his board, state regulators, trihalomethane (THM) standards by
and other local stakeholders. Involvement sampling water throughout the distribution
in the Foundation study gave the utility system and averaging concentrations over
a context for the information and lent all samples. THM levels cannot exceed 80
credibility to their conclusions. micrograms. The new rule states that each
individual sampling point must comply with
“The Foundation’s national study could not the 80 micrograms limit each time and can
have been replicated by my staff,” Norris no longer be averaged. As a result, utilities

Case Studies
must be able to identify locations that may Cost estimates provided in the report are
exceed this level and take appropriate action. based upon a 100 million gallons per day
After years of rapid growth, the Las Vegas (mgd) central treatment plant. The report
Valley Water District (LVVWD) had indicated it would have cost $44.2 million
extended its distribution system, but water to treat THMs centrally, compared with
was not always immediately consumed $17.6 million to treat localized hotspots of
at the outskirts of the system where new 11 mgd of water—a substantial cost savings
neighborhoods were being established. As a indeed. LVVWD had since decided to use a
result, water sometimes sat for several days, bubbler in their tanks which will add to the
leading to high concentrations of THMs. cost savings.
LVVWD co-funded a Foundation Tailored American Water began stripping of THMs in

Collaboration project to evaluate the ideal storage tanks based on this project for one of
local treatment for hotspots. Through the their small systems in Texas. This has led to
project, Evaluation of Disinfection Practices the use of this technology on a larger 20 mgd
for DBP and Precursor Occurrence in system in New Jersey and another system
Consecutive Systems (2009, order #91245/ in Indiana. Mark LeChevalier, director,
project #3026), the research team evaluated innovation and environmental stewardship
three technologies: air stripping, granular for American Water said, “I think this is a
activated carbon, and biologically active technology that will get a lot of attention
carbon. They also developed a model once utilities start to focus on meeting the
that took into account water travel time, Stage 2 DBP rule.”
fluctuating temperatures, and THM species
and concentrations. Using the model, There’s one always there…
LVVWD could pinpoint THM hotspots more A sentiment about how utilities implement
accurately and identify flow rates around Foundation work is often stated as, “I have
those hotspots so that costs to treat THMs a reference library of Foundation reports
could be estimated more accurately. that I grab whenever an issue comes up that
I need to respond to.” Utilities find the work
“We assessed whether it was most effective conducted for utilities is extremely valuable.
to treat THMs at the central plant or at the Another frequently heard sentiment is that
hotspots located at the perimeter of our the Foundation’s reports provide pieces of
distribution systems,” said Dave Rexing, the puzzle that lead to more effective and
water quality research and development timely solutions.
manager, LVVWD. “It didn’t make sense
to pay for treatment of all of our water if Steve Estes-Smargiassi, director of planning,
we could treat only impacted areas and Massachusetts Water Resources Authority
still provide water that met the standards… (MWRA), reflected on how Foundation
at the end of the day, air stripping was work was used at their utility located in the
the most affordable option and provided Boston area. MWRA used the Foundation’s
the same performance. We found we work to help determine their approach to
only needed to treat one-tenth of water dealing with the beginnings of a quagga
containing elevated levels of THMs. This led mussel invasion, improving the ultraviolet
to significant cost savings in both treatment (UV) design for the new plant, and how their
capital expenditures and operating costs— staff improved the operation of their existing
significantly less than had we treated the ozone plant. Several MWRA staff concur with
THMs at our central treatment plant.” Dave Coppes who said, “There is always a

Case Studies
report on my desk (sometimes under other design for their existing ozone plant and
stuff…but always one there).” for the review of their current operations
plan. “We used the ozone optimization
Estes-Smargiassi continued, “During 2009 report developed several years ago as
zebra mussels were discovered in a lake part of our recent treatment optimization
in Massachusetts and MWRA revised our efforts. We then presented the results at the
approach to reducing the risk of invasive International Ozone Association meeting
species in our Quabbin Reservoir. We last year. Our efforts have helped us focus on
consulted Controlling Zebra Mussels at several areas where we can tweak the ozone
Water Treatment Plant Intakes—Part II process and reduce the costs of electricity
(2005, order/project #821) as well the recent and oxygen. Interestingly, we have found
Foundation Rapid Response project on that reservoir operations that reduce the
Quagga mussels during the planning process. level of organics measured with UV254
They provided valuable reference materials appear to present the largest opportunity for
and leads for contacts at other water systems.” savings,” Estes-Smargiassi said.
“MWRA is in the process of designing the MWRA continues to revisit their operations
addition of UV to our 405 mgd ozonation plans and uses Foundation work as a
Carroll Water Treatment Plant to provide touchstone for the effort. Estes-Smargiassi
the second disinfectant required by the continued, “The head of our distribution
LT2 [Long Term 2 Surface Water Treatment system, Mark Johnson, is currently using
Rule]. Our treatment managers are using Development of Distribution System
Integrating UV Disinfection into Existing Water Quality Optimization Plans (2005,
Water Treatment Plants (2005, order order #91069/project #2875) as the model to
#91086/project #2861) and Optimization write our distribution system optimization
of UV Disinfection (2007, order #91184/ plan. The plan is being developed entirely in
project #2983) as they plan for start up in house, using primarily references from the
several years. Bill Sullivan, design manager Foundation. Also, their valve maintenance
for MWRA, developed many aspects of program is being reviewed using Key Criteria
his understanding of UV from reading for Valve Operation and Maintenance
the available Foundation UV reports. He (2002, order/project #2713) and Criteria for
then participated on a Project Advisory Valve Location and System Reliability (2006,
Committee (PAC) for a Foundation project order #91136/project #2869).
where he interfaced with the manufacturers
of UV equipment and a matrix of Mark Knudsen, chief engineer for Tualatin
stakeholders for UV. He said this interaction Valley Water District (TVWD) polled his staff
was “very valuable to understand how UV on their usage of Foundation work during
works in detail and clarify the advantages the last year. Several TVWD departments
and limitations of the technology.” used Foundation work as a guide to
ensure that the approach the utility took
Like other utilities, MWRA used their work covered essential concerns. Mark finds that
in addition to the Foundation work. MWRA Foundation work “made life a lot easier by
staff recently referred to a report from providing ready access to highly relevant
their library of reports, Ozone Facility information. It provides a significant indirect
Optimization Research Results and Case benefit by enabling us to avoid mistakes,
Studies (1998, order #C0003/project #284). dead ends, and otherwise avoidable costs.”
They originally used this report during the

Case Studies
TVWD is upgrading their information determined that relatively small turbidity

technology (IT) strategic plan and program. spikes in one of the sources was the problem.
Knudsen reflected on the number of places We have since isolated the two sources and
they used Foundation work and said, “We only use one for the ASR system. Resolving
took a much more streamlined approach this issue saved us about 2 weeks of time
to our GIS system as we based part of our cleaning and back-flushing the well, which
justification for a geographical information ran us about $10,000 each time we had to
system on Building a Business Case for shut down for maintenance.”
Geospatial Information Technology: A
Practitioner’s Guide to Financial and One final example of solving problems
Strategic Analysis (2007, order #91164/ quickly came from Steve Creel, engineer
project #3051).” with American Water’s headquarters
office in New Jersey. Steve received a call
“Key issues for an IT consulting contract were from one of the American Water locations
partially defined by referring to Optimizing about hexavalent chromium. They wanted
Information Technology Solutions to know how to remove it and what that
for Drinking Water Utilities (2009, would cost. Creel didn’t know. One of the
order #91262/project #4097). It was very first things he did was go to the Foundation
helpful in giving me concrete information Website. He found a Foundation report on
about best practices and IT trends for the topic: Hexavalent Chromium Removal
water utilities. This report led me to make Using Anion Exchange and Reduction
systems integration a priority for our recent With Coagulation and Filtration (2007,
consulting engagement, which has led to order #91193/project #3167).
revision of our strategic technology plan and
a renewed focus on integration strategies. Creel found the information he needed
In terms of cost savings—it could be stated on removal costs and technology. “The
that this report influenced planning that Foundation provided a good place to start
may save us from costly rework if we did to solve the problem and was very helpful,”
not adopt integration as a foundational said Creel. “Without this information, I’m
strategy for our technology plans. This is an not sure where I would have found the
important indirect cost savings.” information. It was current, well written,
factual, and well reviewed. I probably would
TVWD provided another example where have hired a consultant (and I don’t know
they used Foundation work to help resolve where they would get the information), and
an operational issue. TVWD was challenged that may have run us about $10K to $20K.”
by one of their aquifer storage and recovery
(ASR) wells becoming plugged frequently. Savings on Chemical Costs
Staff hired a consultant and started reading
Foundation research. “It has certainly helped Foundation subscribers have been
me think about the project from every astounded at the rising chemical costs
aspect,” said Joel Cary, TVWD’s lead on ASR. experienced recently. To address the issue,
Bill Richmond, TVWD’s water quality analyst the Foundation funded a project under their
continued, “We’ve used Design, Operation, Rapid Response Program called Supply of
and Maintenance for Sustainable Critical Drinking Water and Wastewater
Underground Storage Facilites (2008, order Treatment Chemicals—A White Paper
#91239/project #3034) for understanding for Understanding Recent Chemical
ASR operations better. We have two sources Price Increases and Shortages (2009,
of water and with the help of the report we order #91264/project #4225). Several utilities

Case Studies
found this work to be helpful to understand “Work that Jeff Parks, professor at Virginia
how to deal with the rising costs. Tech, did on this project has shown
that zinc can be beneficial to prevent
Another project developed by the cement corrosion. Previously, he had
Foundation Research Advisory Council found that coupons exposed to zinc
(RAC) addressed one chemical specifically: orthophosphate had lower amounts of
zinc orthosphosphate. The Foundation calcium leaching than those exposed
wanted to confirm whether utilities to zinc only or zinc polyphosphate. He
would get a more substantial benefit and didn’t try orthophosphate alone. For these
should spend the extra money on zinc experiments, Jeff exposed concrete coupons
orthophosphate for corrosion control versus to zinc orthophosphate for 6 weeks. After
plain orthophosphate. Their concern is that that he kept some on various doses of zinc
zinc orthophosphate can be up to 7 times orthophosphate and some he switched to
more expensive than zinc orthophosphate straight orthophosphate. He found that the
depending on the concentration of benefits of zinc disappeared after exposure
phosphate and size of delivery. to orthophosphate alone.”
Orren Schneider, senior environmental “So to wrap it all up, for lead and copper,
engineer with American Water, was awarded zinc doesn’t seem to have an impact. For
a contract with the Foundation for his cement, zinc may play a role for some water
proposal to answer the RAC’s question. qualities. We’re still trying to gather all of our
The project report, “Zinc Versus Non-zinc conclusions together.”
Corrosion Control” (project #4103) is not
yet published, but American Water can This project is a good example of a utility
begin to react to what they see emerging researcher working with a local university
from the data. Utilities often find that being professor to save chemical costs. The results
involved in a project, particularly when they of this work can help utilities run more
lead the research, helps them to initiate economically across the country.
changes before all the data for other parts of
the project is finalized and is captured in a The above examples illustrate that Water
formal report. Research Foundation work serves many
levels of people working at utilities.
Schneider is finding that zinc does not Utilities use Foundation work to solve
appear to play a role for lead and copper both immediate and long-term issues and
corrosion. “In experiments using the same improve efficiencies. Many utilities turn
phosphate dose and varying zinc doses, we to the Foundation to lend credibility to
found no statistical differences between zinc their arguments and embellish arguments
and non-zinc orthophosphate in lead and with sound scientific and well thought
copper concentrations (actual metal release) out information so that they can educate
or in measurements of corrosivity (as customers, their boards, regulators, and
measured electrochemically). The required Congress. The Foundation’s work has
phosphate dose varied by site, but we only helped to avoid costs and improve the
used the doses that the plants are already quality of the water produced by the
using. I stay as far away from polyphosphates utilities. The Foundation wishes to thank
as possible. They act as strong sequestering all the individuals who took the time to
agents and in some cases have been shown share their stories.
to strip divalent metal ions right from pipe
walls (including lead and copper).”

Effective Regulation
Foundation Research
and Effective Regulation
Chris Rayburn, Water Research Foundation research management director
Introduction 2009 with the ultimate aim of planning and

conducting research that informs drinking
Water Research Foundation subscribers
water risk management decisions, including,
consistently identify help with regulatory
but not limited to, regulatory activities.
compliance as one of the most important
benefits they expect from the Foundation’s
The following examples illustrate the role
research program. Providing research that
of Foundation research in supporting
helps subscribers comply with existing
pragmatic and informed regulatory actions.
and future regulations is a key objective for
the Foundation. A related objective, and
Total Coliform Rule and Distribution System
arguably of equal importance, is to provide
Activities
research that helps underpin rulemaking
and regulatory policy development with the The Total Coliform Rule (TCR) is
best available science. While the burden of undergoing a six-year review by USEPA
providing science-based regulation rests with that began in 2007 with the establishment
the regulatory agency, the Foundation often of an advisory committee. The committee
serves as an industry partner to USEPA and was charged with reviewing the current
other regulators in this area. Augmenting TCR to determine if any improvements
regulatory agency research with industry- can be made and to identify research
funded research helps ensure that utility and information collection necessary to
needs and perspectives are considered in assess potential health impacts related to
rulemaking and that the resulting regulations distribution systems. Prior to the start of
are both more effective and more pragmatic. the review process, USEPA commissioned
9 white papers, 11 TCR issue papers, and
Recent articles in the New York Times and a report from the National Academies of
other periodicals have noted the lack of Science. Foundation research was cited
federal regulation of new chemicals in the 240 times in these commissioned works,
past decade. While it is true that no new illustrating the value of existing Foundation
maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) research in guiding the TCR revision.
have been promulgated since 2000, USEPA
and various state agencies have been very The committee activities ultimately led to
active in reviewing and revising existing an agreement in principle (AIP) that was
drinking water regulations, developing finalized in September 2008. One of the
policy, and evaluating rulemaking for provisions of the AIP was the establishment
emerging compounds. The Foundation of a research and information collection
has supported these regulatory activities partnership (RICP) to identify and prioritize
with related research; many Foundation research and information collection needs
projects published in the past year are for key issue areas related to distribution
geared towards informing these efforts. system water quality. The AIP specifically
Additionally, the Foundation has undertaken identifies USEPA and the Foundation as
key cooperative efforts with USEPA during members of the RICP. USEPA and the

Foundation formally entered into the RICP could be reversed. On August 19, 2009,
in January 2009 and have collaborated USEPA published a Supplemental Request
extensively throughout 2009 and early for Comments notice in the Federal Register
2010 to identify and prioritize distribution seeking input on additional ways to analyze
system research and information collection data related to the regulatory determination
needs. Foundation participation in the of perchlorate. USEPA has indicated that
RICP helps ensure that water utility needs a final regulatory determination will be
and perspectives are considered in the made based on a review of comments
development of the revised TCR and in received in response to this notice.
potential future distribution system risk Foreshadowing these activities, California
management actions. and Massachusetts have independently
established parts-per-billion (ppb) action
Strategies for Managing Total Coliform levels for perchlorate in water.
and E. Coli in Distribution Systems (2009,
order #91259/project #3116/4130) is a The Foundation has previously completed
recent example of Foundation research a substantial body of work on perchlorate
that has informed TCR and distribution occurrence and treatability, much of
system regulatory development. The primary it in partnership with USEPA and East
objective of this project was to develop a Valley Water District in California. In 2009,
comprehensive, practical guide that utilities recognizing both the pending regulatory
can use to manage and respond to total determination for perchlorate and the
coliform and E. coli occurrences in drinking impetus for “inherently safer” technologies
water distribution systems. The report not for drinking water disinfection, the
only provides useful information to water Foundation completed Hypochlorite—An
utilities on solving current TCR compliance Assessment of Factors That Influence
issues, but will also help support practical the Formation of Perchlorate and Other
improvements to the TCR that help reduce Contaminants (order/project #4147) in
the frequency of total coliform positives and partnership with the American Water Works
associated public concern. In particular, it is Association (AWWA). This project examined
anticipated that the revised TCR will require the occurrence of perchlorate and similar
utilities to conduct assessments in response impurities in hypochlorite, identified
to possible distribution system microbial factors that influence the formation of these
contamination. The microbial investigation impurities, and recommended steps to
procedures developed through this report mitigate the introduction of these impurities
are well aligned with these anticipated to the water supply. The project confirmed
requirements; it is expected that the study that perchlorate, chlorate, and bromate can
results may form the basis for USEPA form during manufacture and/or storage
guidance on conducting assessments under of hypochlorite and identified a number
the revised TCR. of risk factors that utilities can mitigate to
help minimize the formation potential of
Perchlorate
these impurities. By demonstrating potential
In Fall 2008, USEPA made a preliminary unintended consequences in switching
regulatory determination not to from free chlorine to hypochlorite-based
regulate perchlorate as a drinking disinfection, the results have important
water contaminant. Under the new implications for both potential perchlorate
administration, USEPA is reconsidering regulation and for potential mandated use of
this decision and it appears likely that it inherently safer disinfection technologies.

Contaminant Candidate List 3 the Foundation published Toxicological

Relevance of EDCs and Pharmaceuticals
The third round of Contaminant Candidate
in Drinking Water (2008, order #91238/
List regulatory determinations (CCL3)
project #3085), a Tailored Collaboration
is currently underway by USEPA, with
project with Southern Nevada Water
regulatory determinations due in 2013.
Authority. Among other important findings,
USEPA decided not to regulate any
this research underscored the importance
additional contaminants through the first
of a reporting system based on toxicological
two CCL review cycles in 2003 and 2008,
relevance, rather than analytical detection,
leading to increased pressure from some
for trace concentrations of EDCs and
drinking water stakeholders to regulate
pharmaceuticals and personal care products
new contaminants under CCL3. The CCL3
(PPCPs) in drinking water. The project also
list, finalized in September 2009, identifies
developed acceptable daily intake (ADI)
116 chemical and microbial contaminants
concentrations for numerous EDCs and
for potential regulation. Notable among
PPCPs in drinking water based on accepted
the chemical compounds on the CCL3
USEPA approaches. These health-based
list are several nitrosamines, including
concentrations can be used to guide the
N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), as
establishment of meaningful method
well as a number of suspected endocrine
reporting limits and water treatment goals.
disrupting compounds (EDCs) and
(Finished project #3085 is highlighted on
pharmaceuticals. NDMA is considered
page 23 of this special “Year in Review” issue
a likely candidate for regulation under
of Drinking Water Research.)
CCL3 owing to both health risk data and
to preliminary occurrence data from the
Lead and Copper Rule
first round of the second Unregulated
Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR2). USEPA is currently undertaking a revision
of the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR). During
The Foundation has completed recent work Congressional testimony in October 2009,
on nitrosamines, EDCs, and pharmaceuticals Peter Silva, USEPA’s assistant administrator
that has important implications for CCL3 for Water, committed to revising the LCR
regulatory determinations. Occurrence and by 2012. One of the key issues under
Formation of Nitrogenous Disinfection By- examination for this revision is partial lead
Products (2009, order #91250/project #3014) service line replacement; i.e., replacement
built on past Foundation research to by water utilities of the portions of lead
identify the occurrence and significance of service lines that are utility owned. Service
nitrogenous DBP (N-DBP) precursors, define line replacement is one of the corrective
water quality variables that increase N-DBP measures stipulated under the existing LCR
formation potential, and identify formation for utilities exceeding the MCL for lead.
pathways for various N-DBP species. Recent work sponsored by the Foundation
Whereas NDMA and other N-DBPs are often has shown that elevated lead levels may
perceived as an issue associated with use occur immediately following partial service
of chloramines as a disinfectant, project line replacement and may persist for longer
3014 demonstrates that N-DBP sources periods of time depending on site-specific
and risk factors other than chloramination conditions. Contribution of Service Line
may exist for drinking water systems. This and Plumbing Fixtures to Lead and Copper
added complexity will need to be taken into Rule Compliance Issues (2008, order #91229/
account in any regulatory determination project #3018) also demonstrated that the
on NDMA and other nitrosamines. In 2008, customer-owned portion of lead service

lines, which is beyond the jurisdiction of

local water utilities, remains an important
unresolved source of lead following partial
service line replacement. Results of this
study were presented at the October 2008
LCR Stakeholder meeting that kicked off
USEPA’s current LCR review.
Conclusion
USEPA has recently signaled a renewed
emphasis on rulemaking for drinking water
starting with the roll out of a new set of
strategies for addressing drinking water
contaminants (see http://www.epa.gov/
safewater/sdwa/dwstrategy.html). The
Water Research Foundation will participate
actively in the dialogue to frame these new
strategies and will continue to fund research
that fills knowledge gaps related to pending
rulemaking in order to help ensure more
effective and pragmatic regulation on behalf
of our subscribers.
Foundation Contacts
Customer Service Foundation Subscription Program
Phone: +1 888.844.5082 or +1 303.347.6121 Phone: +1 303.347.6128
Fax: +1 303.730.0851 E-mail: pschrader@WaterResearchFoundation.org
E-mail: rfreports@WaterResearchFoundation.org Solicited & Unsolicited Research Programs
Editorial Questions Phone: +1 303.347.6188
Phone: +1 303.347.6111 E-mail: crayburn@WaterResearchFoundation.org
E-mail: editor@WaterResearchFoundation.org Tailored Collaboration Program
Order Drinking Water Research Phone: +1 303.347.6104
Phone: +1 303.347.6248 E-mail: rkarlin@WaterResearchFoundation.org
E-mail: tfreeman@WaterResearchFoundation.org
Address/Phone Changes
Phone: +1 303.347.6243
E-mail: emahoney@WaterResearchFoundation.org

Webcasts
2009 Webcasts
Adam Lang, Water Research Foundation publishing manager
The Water Research Foundation hosted or Understanding Recent Chemical Price

co-sponsored 16 Webcasts in 2009, all free Increases and Shortages (order #91264/
to Foundation subscribers. Webcasts were project #4225). The project is discussed on
conducted on a wide variety of topics and page 15 of this issue.
projects, ranging from controlling algae in
treatment plants to planning water resources The Foundation successfully conducted its
for climate change. A few of the Webcasts first Webcast/Workshop in July 2009 on the
from 2009 are described in this article. A full topic of Biological Filtration. This 3½ hour
list of the 2009 Webcasts are included on the Webcast took place simultaneously with
next page along with a list of the Top 5 2009 a workshop on biological filtration hosted
Webcasts by attendance. All Foundation by the Birmingham Water Works Board.
hosted Webcasts and/or the slides, audio, The Webcast covered the use of biological
and Q&A are available to subscribers to view filtration and focused on the engineering
or download from the Foundation Website. and operation of such filters from a national
perspective. Four speakers representing
The first Foundation Webcast of 2009 was a utility, university, and two consulting
held in February on “Improving Water Utility firms provided various perspectives on
Capital Efficiency” (based on order #91257/ implementing biological filtration.
project #3119). This Webcast discussed best
practices in capital programs from within The Foundation also partnered with other
and outside the water industry, examining organizations on Webcasts in addition to the
capital efficient program development and presentations hosted by the Foundation. In
management, as well as individual project May, we co-sponsored a Webcast with WERF
implementation based on the research on “Strategic Asset Management: Benefit
conducted for the Foundation project. The Cost Analysis Tool.” This Webcast was based
report for this project was also very popular on the Foundation project, Benefit Cost
and is described on page 11. Analysis Tool (order #91260/project #4127),
where the final deliverable is a tool available
The most watched Webcast of 2009 was held on CD-ROM and the SIMPLE Website, which
in April and titled, “Water and Wastewater is freely accessible to both WERF and Water
Treatment Chemicals: Shortages and Research Foundation subscribers. The project
Skyrocketing Prices.” This Webcast presented is discussed on page 9. In September, the
what is known about the issue of water Foundation and AWWA teamed up to present
treatment chemical price increases and a Webcast on “Simultaneous Regulatory
For Foundation hosted chemical shortages in the last several years Compliance” (based on order #91263/
Webcasts, the full
presentations and and the driving forces behind the recent project #3115). The project, co-sponsored
separated slides, audio, price and chemical availability concerns. by both organizations, includes a report and
and Q&A can be
downloaded from the
The Webcast was based on a Rapid Response Web-based tool and is also discussed on
Website. In cases where project that was completed and published page 13. Lastly, the Foundation co-sponsored
the actual presentations as a white paper in July 2009 titled, Supply a Webcast series hosted by the Groundwater
are not available, the
other resources can still of Critical Drinking Water and Wastewater Foundation on the following topics:
be downloaded. Treatment Chemicals—A White Paper for “Sustainable Groundwater Development using

Webcasts
GIS and Groundwater Modeling,” “Challenges Top 5 Webcasts of 2009

of Integrated Management of Surface Water (by number of viewers)
and Groundwater,” and “Communicating
the Value of Water” (based on order #91222/ 1. Water and Wastewater Treatment Chemicals:
project #3113). Shortages and Skyrocketing Prices
2. Biological Filtration
In 2009, the Foundation more than doubled 3. Controlling Algal Growth Within Water
our Webcast output compared to any previous Treatment Plants
year. Subscribers have told us they like 4. Effect of Nitrification on Corrosion in the
receiving information from this new medium; Distribution System
therefore, we will continue to provide Webcasts
regularly in 2010 and the coming years. 5. Greenhouse Gas Emission Strategies for
Water Utilities
2009 Webcasts
February 12 – Improving Water Utility Capital Efficiency (based on order #91257/project

February
#3119)
March 26 – Controlling Algal Growth Within Water Treatment Plants (based on order
March
#91256/project #3111)
April 15 – Water and Wastewater Treatment Chemicals: Shortages and Skyrocketing
April
Prices (based on order #91264/project #4225)
May 6 – Strategic Asset Management: Benefit Cost Analysis Tool
May
(co-sponsored by WERF) (based on order #91260/project #4127)
July July 29 – Biological Filtration from Birmingham Water Works Board
August 6 – Helping Utility Customers Pay Their Bills (based on order/project #4004)
August August 25 – Sustainable Groundwater Development using GIS and Groundwater
Modeling (hosted by the Groundwater Foundation)
September 3 – Effect of Nitrification on Corrosion in the Distribution System (based on
order/project #4015)
September
September 16 – Simultaneous Regulatory Compliance (hosted by AWWA) (based on
order #91263/project #3115)
October 1 – Greenhouse Gas Emission Strategies for Water Utilities (based on order
#91265/project #4156)
October 22 – Implementing Desalination Facilities: Experiences from Inland to the Coast
October
(based on ongoing project #4078)
October 27 – Challenges of Integrated Management of Surface Water and
Groundwater (hosted by the Groundwater Foundation)
November 3 – Managing Distribution Integrity—Old Problem, New Tools (based on
projects #3183 and #3022)
November November 12 – Water Resource Planning Options for Climate Change (based on
ongoing project #3132)
November 19 – Integrated Urban Water Management (based on ongoing project #4008)
December 16 – Communicating the Value of Water (hosted by the Groundwater
December
Foundation) (based on order #91222/project #3113)

2009 Funded Projects
General
Title Project # Research Program

Americana 2009 International Environmental Technology 4275 Partnership
Trade Show & Conference
WateReuse Foundation Research Conference 4278 Partnership
Infrastructure

Backflow Events: Research Needs Roadmap 4266 Strategic Research Initiative:
Distribution System Water
Quality
Best Management Practices for the Maintenance of Water 4237 Solicited Research
Distribution Assets
Changing Mindsets to Promote Design of Sustainable 4264 Strategic Research Initiative:
Infrastructure Climate Change
Characterizing the Interactions Between Pathogens and 4259 Strategic Research Initiative:
Biofilms and Their Fate and Transport in Distribution Systems Distribution System Water
Quality
International Workshop to Identify Industry Needs for 4277 Partnership
Condition Assessment and Pipeline Failure Prediction
Is NSF 61 Relevant for Chloraminating Utilities? 4243 Solicited Research
Pioneering Non-Destructive Condition Assessment 4230 Partnership
Technologies for Small Diameter Pipe
Practical Tool for Deciding Rehabilitation vs. Replacement of 4234 Partnership
Cast Iron Pipe
Pre-stressed Concrete Cylinder Pipe Condition Assessment - 4233 Solicited Research
What Works, What Doesn’t, What’s Next
Retrospective Analysis of Performance of Dual Distribution 4333 EPA/WERF Aging Water
Systems Infrastructure

Management and Customer Relations

Advancing Process Optimization in the Water Industry to
Include Energy Efficiency and Control of Greenhouse Gas 4271 Partnership
Emissions
Analysis of Changes in Water Use Under Regional Climate Strategic Research Initiative:
4263
Change Scenarios Climate Change
Strategic Research Initiative:
Building a National Utility Network to Address EDC/PPCP Endocrine Disruptors/
4261
Issues Pharmaceuticals and
Personal Care Products
Climate Change Impacts on the Regulatory Landscape: Strategic Research Initiative:
4239
Evaluating Opportunities for Regulatory Change Climate Change
Competency Model Development and Application to Meet
4244 Solicited Research
Water Utility Workforce Needs
Forecasting the Future: Progress, Changes, and Predictions
4232 Solicited Research
for the Water Sector
Smart Irrigation Controller Demonstration and Evaluation in
4227 Tailored Collaboration
Orange County, Florida
Vulnerability Assessment and Risk Management Tools for
Climate Change: Assessing Potential Impacts and Identifying 4262 Partnership
Adaptation Options
Water Utilities and Climate Change: A Research Workshop
4228 Tailored Collaboration
on Effective System Adaptation
Worker Health and Safety: Metrics, Benefits, and Costs 4236 Solicited Research
Water Quality

2009 Groundwater Foundation and Water Research 4272 Partnership
Foundation Webcast Series
9th Japanese US Conference on Water Quality/Wastewater 4274 Partnership
Control
Advanced Oxidation and Transformation of Organic 4241 Solicited Research
Contaminants
Anion Exchange Resins as a Source of Nitrosamines and 4295 Unsolicited Research
Nitrosamine Precursors
Application of Endocrine Activity Standards to Regulated 4268 Strategic Research Initiative:
Chemicals Endocrine Disruptors/
Pharmaceuticals and
Assessing and Enhancing Biological Filtration 4231 Solicited Research

Water Quality

Assessment of Torque Teno Virus as a Candidate Viral 4288 Unsolicited Research
Pathogen Indicator in Drinking Waters
Climate Change Impacts on Lake Erie Disinfection Byproduct 4302 Tailored Collaboration
Formation
Coagulation-Ceramic Membrane Filtration Process for U.S. 4292 Unsolicited Research
Surface Water Treatment: The Effects of Coagulation and
Membrane Fouling
Detection and Quantification of EDC/PPCPs in Source Waters 4269 Strategic Research Initiative:
Containing Dissolved and Colloidal Organic Matter Endocrine Disruptors/
Pharmaceuticals and
Developing a Genetic-Based Approach that Complements 4300 Unsolicited Research
Enzyme-Based Coliform Methods
Development and Optimization of a Fixed-Bed Bioreactor 4293 Unsolicited Research
System for the Simultaneous Removal of Nitrate and Arsenic
From Drinking Water
Distribution System Water Quality Control Demonstration 4286 Tailored Collaboration
EDC/PPCP Benchmarking and Monitoring for Drinking Water 4260 Strategic Research Initiative:
Utilities Endocrine Disruptors/
Pharmaceuticals and
Effectiveness of Sub-Micrometer Sized Powdered Activated 4294 Unsolicited Research
Carbon for the Combined Removal of Disinfection By-
Product Precursors and Trace Organic Pollutants
Enhancing the Value of Molecular Methods to the Water 4238 Partnership
Industry: An E. coli Case Study
Evaluating Changes in Distributed Water Quality after 4303 Strategic Research Initiative:
Chloramination through Measurements of Cytotoxicity and Distribution System Water
Organic N-Containing Disinfection Byproducts Quality
Evaluation of Available Scale-Up Approaches for the Design 4235 Solicited Research
of GAC Contactors
Fate of Non-Regulated DBPs in Distribution Systems 4242 Partnership
Identification of Bacterial and Archaeal Communities in 4291 Unsolicited Research
Distribution Systems From Source to Tap, Using Molecular
Methods
Impact of MIEX on Reduction and Control of DBPs, Turbidity, 4298 Tailored Collaboration
Residuals Generation, and Corrosion
Influences of Water Chemistry and Other Physical Factors on 4289 Unsolicited Research
Copper Pitting and Brass Dezincification Corrosion in Premise
Plumbing Systems
In-Situ Arsenic Removal on Unsaturated Alluvium 4299 Tailored Collaboration
Novel Methodologies for Evaluation of Fouling Reduction of 4280 Tailored Collaboration
Desalination Membranes

Water Quality

Numerical Models for Prediction of Fouling and its Effects on 4281 Tailored Collaboration
Reactor Performance in UV Distribution Systems
Protocol for Evaluating Chemical Pretreatment for High 4249 Partnership
Pressure Membranes
Relationship Between Biodegradable Organic Matter and 4251 Strategic Research Initiative:
Pathogen Concentrations in Premise Plumbing Distribution System Water
Quality
Screening Endocrine Activity of DBPs 4267 Strategic Research Initiative:
Endocrine Disruptors/
Pharmaceuticals and
Watershed Analysis of Dissolved Organic Matter and Control 4282 Tailored Collaboration
of Disinfection By-Products
Water Resources and Environmental Sustainability

Assessment of Water Reuse as an Approach for Meeting 4276 Partnership
Future Water Supply Needs
Estimating Salinity Effects Due to Climate Change on the 4285 Tailored Collaboration
Georgia and South Carolina Coasts
Genotyping Workshop and Round Robin 4284 Partnership
Impacts of Underground Carbon Geologic Sequestration on 4265 Strategic Research Initiative:
the Water Quality of Groundwater Climate Change
Lowering Chemical and Energy Usage for Inland Desalination 4283 Tailored Collaboration
Concentrate Volume Reduction
Water Well Research Workshop 4240 Solicited Research

New and Improved Website
www.WaterRF.org
• Feedback was collected from numerous avenues to make improvements to the Foundation Website.
• Content areas were reorganized and tested by subscriber web focus groups.
• The latest reports, project updates, and announcements are located on the homepage.
• All site menu pages offer links to related menus and an “I Need To” dropdown list to guide you through common tasks.
• The new site is meant to get information out quickly and efficiently.
• More enhancements will continue through 2010 and beyond.
• User feedback is appreciated. Please take a quick survey at: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/G2NSW9K.

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Drinking Water Research

Advancing the Science of Water®

2009 Year in Review

APRIL– JUNE 2010 S DRINKING WATER RESEARCH

Farewell from the Foundation Chair

2 APRIL– JUNE 2010 S DRINKING WATER RESEARCH

Top Five Reports of 2009

Publication Publication More on

Strategies for Managing Total Coliform and 3116/

Decision Tool to Help Utilities Develop

Supply of Critical Drinking Water and

DRINKING WATER RESEARCH S APRIL– JUNE 2010 3

Publication Publication More on

Impact of Phosphate Corrosion Inhibitors on Cement-Based

Look Ahead Technology for Horizontal Directional Drilling—

Non-Uniform Corrosion in Copper Piping—Monitoring

Performance of Water Supply Systems in the February 28,

Proof-of-Concept Model to Predict Water Quality Changes in

The Role of Free Chlorine, Chloramines, and NOM on the

Vinyl Chloride and Organotin Stabilizers in Water Contacting

4 APRIL– JUNE 2010 S DRINKING WATER RESEARCH

Management and Customer Relations

Publication Publication More on

Developing a Risk Management Culture—Mindfulness in the

Evaluation of Dynamic Consumption of Advanced Water and

Enhancement of QualServe Tools to Improve Utility

Greenhouse Gas Emission Inventory and Management

Optimizing Information Technology Solutions for Drinking

Surviving or Thriving in Economic Recession: Strategies of

DRINKING WATER RESEARCH S APRIL– JUNE 2010 5

Publication Publication More on

Arsenic Coagulation with Iron, Aluminum, Titanium, and

Data Processing and Analysis for Online Distribution System

Desalination Product Water Recovery and Concentrate

Developing a Strategy to Increase the Value of Regulatory

Evaluation of Disinfection Practices for DBP and Precursor

Ferrous Carbonate Beds as an Inexhaustible Source of

Hypochlorite—An Assessment of Factors That Influence the

Identification of Heterotrophic Bacteria That Colonize

Mammalian Cell Cytotoxicity and Genotoxicity of

Metal (Fe, Ti) Impregnated Granular Activated Carbon for

Occurrence and Formation of Nitrogenous Disinfection By-

Pilot-Testing an Ion Exchange Technology for Selective and

6 APRIL– JUNE 2010 S DRINKING WATER RESEARCH

Publication Publication More on

PPCPs and EDCs—Occurrence in the Detroit River and Their

Probabilistic Modeling Framework for Assessing Water

Progress Towards a Rapid and Simultaneous Concentration

Removal of Bulk Organic Matter, Organic Micropollutants,

Real-time On-line Monitoring of Contaminants in Water:

Strategies for Controlling and Mitigating Algal Growth

Subsurface Treatment for Arsenic Removal: Phase II

Synthesis Document on Molecular Techniques for the

Utilization of NOM Characteristics to Improve Process

DRINKING WATER RESEARCH S APRIL– JUNE 2010 7

Water Resources and Environmental Sustainability

Publication Publication More on

Design, Operation and Maintenance for Sustainable

Evaluation of Innovative Regenerable and Non-Regenerable

Identification of Source Areas to Public Water Intakes and

Inland Membrane Concentrate Treatment Strategies for

Metal-Doped Hydrogel Media for Arsenic Removal in

A Novel Hybrid Forward Osmosis Process for Drinking Water