Alabama Utility Puts Filter Media Performance to the Test

Abstract

In anticipation of changing federal regulations, the Birmingham Water Works Board (BWWB) conducted a pilot plant study to evaluate the primary coagulant at its largest filter plant. This article discusses how the BWWB attempted to change the primary coagulant at its Shades Mountain Filter Plant (SMFP) from aluminum sulfate to ferric sulfate. However, the investigation was abandoned because of increased filter‐to‐waste for 46 gravity‐fed sand‐anthracite filters with a high rate of 2.8 gpm/ft2. Although the failed changeover left SMFP without improved total organic carbon (TOC) removal, the process provided valuable insights and prompted BWWB to purchase a mobile pilot plant. It was clear that any proposed changes to the treatment process required filter‐performance evaluation.