Study of Short Filter Runs With Lake Michigan Water

Abstract

In 1958, the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) initiated a cooperative program to investigate the problem of short filter runs as experienced by water treatment plants using Lake Michigan as a source of water supply. A research committee was appointed to cooperate with the Chicago regional office of USPHS. This group initiated plans and established the following objectives for the project: to determine the magnitude of the short filter run problem; to identify the specific adverse effects of short filter runs; to identify the water quality and other conditions which contribute to poor sedimentation and short runs; to investigate the methods by which the various treatment plants have attempted to solve the problem; to evaluate the additional cost of treatment and the losses of revenue; and, to develop new treatment methods or improvements on existing methods under adverse water quality conditions, and thereby provide a more satisfactory operating cycle, particularly during peak‐demand periods. Field procedures are discussed, along with plankton counts, summary of filter run, causes of clogging, cost estimates, treatment index, and polyelectrolytes. Certain tentative conclusions are provided from the available data and from the results of already completed analyses.

Effects of Algae on Plant Operation: Joint Discussion

“…Data were accumulated at twelve Lake Michigan treatment plants during a study by Gamet andRademacher," in 1958 and1959. The data for the three plants with the most serious problems are discussed below.…”