Concerns about water quality and possible intentional contamination of water distribution systems are making on-line monitoring an increasingly important priority for many water utilities. The city of Ann Arbor (Mich.) evaluated different water quality monitoring parameters, tested multiple manufacturers' monitoring equipment, and evaluated how to effectively locate monitoring equipment within the distribution system to address these two concerns. A suite of modeling tools was used in this case study. Total chlorine, ultraviolet absorbance at 254 nm, conductivity, and dissolved oxygen were selected for monitoring based on pilot testing. When balancing costs and benefits, four stations for monitoring water quality and four stations for monitoring contamination events were found to be sufficient for the city. Only one location was common between water quality and security sites, and the number of security monitors needed was not affected by system demands. It was confirmed that it is critical to minimize response time in order to mitigate the effects of a contamination event.
Key TakeawaysWhen a complex subject such as emerging contaminants is presented to the public, it's essential that community officials and utility staff maintain customers’ trust through transparent, timely, clear communication.Unless utility staff or city officials take the first steps to communicate with concerned customers about water quality, messages can be quickly misconstrued.In Michigan, the City of Ann Arbor developed a branding and communication strategy to ensure that residents were armed with knowledge about the water utility's decisions and actions.
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