SEV 455 WATER SYSTEM DESIGN- Assignment 1A

Water Treatment Plant Design

Busiku Silenga [210037589]
Dept Of Civil Engineering- Deakin University

Question 1:
Water quality parameters of different source waters (Surface water {River, Lake/Reservoir} and groundwater):
Parameter

River Water

Lake/Reservoir Water

Ground Water

Turbidity (NTU)

Conductivity (S/cm)

0.4

Color (TCU)

30

10

10

Total Organic Carbon (mg/L)

0.5

pH

7.5

Ammonia (mg/L)

0.0005

0.0001

0.0001

Algae (Cells/ml)

0-17200

Total Dissolved Solids (mg/l)

82-280

42110-167000

0-5050

Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l)

4.2-12.8

31-79

Chloride (mg/l)

12-98

755-1000

Particle size analysis (mg/L)

0.5

0.5

(S. Kawamura, Integrated Design of Water Treatment Facilities, John Wiley & Sons, 1991)
-The given sample is for lake water. The information obtained from the provided sample is consistent with the lake
water parameters
-Note: Treatment of lake water usually requires higher levels of quality because it is usually the point of deposition of all
river water.
*Other water quality information necessary for the design of the water treatment plant is given in the table below.
Constituent

Average Acceptable Value

Maximum Permissible Limit

Nitrates (No3) in mg/l

45

45

Fluorides (F) in mg/l

1.5

Calcium (Ca) in mg/l

75

200

Magnesium (Mg)in mg/l

30-120

150

Phenolic compounds(phenol) in mg/l

0.001

0.002

Chlorides (Cl) in mg/l

200

1000

Sulphates (So4) in mg/l

200

400

Zinc (Zn) in mg/l

15

Arsenic (As) in mg/l

0.05

0.05

Chromium (Cr6) in mg/l

0.05

0.05

Cynamides (CN) in mg/l

0.05

0.05

(S. Kawamura, Integrated Design of Water Treatment Facilities, John Wiley & Sons, 1991)
Question 2
The chosen parameters based on significance are listed and commented on as follows:
Chemical Parameters;
-pH : The waters pH is a measure of its hydrogen ion concentration and reflects the waters acidity or alkalinity. pH is
one of the most important operational water-quality parameters, even though it usually has no direct impact on water
consumers (drinking water should have a pH between 6.5 and 8.5). The pH of the water entering the distribution system
must be controlled to minimize the corrosion of the water pipelines (Low pH values help in effective chlorination but
cause problems with corrosion). pH should be preferably less than 8 in order for disinfection with chlorine to be
effective, and so careful attention to pH control is necessary at all stages of water treatment to ensure satisfactory
water clarification and disinfection.
-Conductivity: this is a measure of how current passes through water. High conductivity means that the concentration
of ions in water is high. Low conductivity is evidence of high level so carbonic or hydrocarbons compounds which do not
conduct water. Despite their low conductivity, inorganic dissolved compounds are essential for aquatic life. Higher
concentrations however may cause decreased oxygen levels which is again not suitable for aquatic life and indicates
that the water quality level is not of a high standard and so steps should be taken to ensure conductivity is at an
acceptable level.
-Chloride: Chlorides are present in virtually all raw waters. In analyzing corrosion problems the chloride contenet
should be noted (especially chloride salts, which are very corrosive in an oxidizing environment. Chlorides are
protruding in split corrosion and pitting. In all cases of design operation, steps should be taken to prevent or moderate
the concentration of chlorides.
-Calcium/Total Hardness: Calcium removing hardness from water is called softening. Hardness in most raw waters is
mainly caused by calcium and magnesium salts that are dissolved from geologic deposits. Water becomes hard by
being in contact with soluble, divalent, metallic cations. In boiler and cooling water systems, calcium salts are the main

cause of scale, while magnesium forms hydroxides or silicates in boiler water. Two basic methods of softening public
water supplies are chemical precipitation and ion exchange.
Alkalinity-is a measure of the acid-neutralising capacity of water. It is important during softening. Most chemicals used
in water treatment, such as alum, chloride or lime cause changes in alkalinity, determining alkalinity is required when
calculating chemical dosages for coagulation and water softening, it is also used to calculate corrosivity of water and
estimate carbonate hardness.
-Nitrites: For closed systems nitrites are effective inhibitors. Their main disadvantage is their susceptibility to
microbiological attack. Nitrites in closed systems should be operated at alkaline conditions. They therefore are not
suitable if aluminium is present.
-Dichloroacetic acid: Dichloroacetic acid was found in the distribution systems of six water supply companies at
concentrations ranging from 8 to 79 g/litre; it was detected in the finished water of 10 of 10 companies surveyed and
at levels of 10 g/litre or higher at 8 of them.
-Nutrients (phosphorous and nitrogen): Phosphorus and nitrogen are the two nutrients of primary concern in lakes.
Phosphorus regulates algae growth the most, but additional phosphorus loadings will stimulate additional algae growth,.
Phosphorus is measured as total phosphorus and concentrations more than 0.030 mg/L are enough to stimulate
nuisance algae growth it is therefore important to reduce phosphorus availability in water. Inorganic nitrogen forms
are readily utilized by algae for growth.
Physical Parameters
-Temperature: The degree or intensity of heat present in a substance or object. Temperature can exert great control
over aquatic communities. If the overall water body temperature of a system is altered, an aquatic community shift can
be expected. It is important as it affects the level of dissolved oxygen, the higher the temperature the lower the level of
dissolved oxygen (high quality water has a high quality of dissolved oxygen and vice versa), it is therefore a very
important parameter. Dissolved oxygen is increased by churning of water during the water treatment process.
-Turbidity: is a measure of the extent to which light is either absorbed or scattered by suspended material in water.
Turbidity values above 5 NTU become perceptible to the eye, especially in large volumes such as a white sink or bath.
This effect might be increased if the water also contains coloured materials such as humic acid or inorganic colored
products such as iron compounds. In surface waters, Turbidity is caused by clay, silt, rock fragments, metal oxides
from soil, vegetable fibers and microorganisms. Correlation of turbidity with the weight or particle number
concentration of suspended matter is difficult because the size, shape and refractive index of particles affect the lightscattering properties of the suspension. High turbidity makes filtration expensive. Water treatment processes intended
to remove suspended solids and reduce turbidity include; raw water screening, pre sedimentation, coagulation,
flocculation, sedimentation and filtration.
-Colour: Caused by suspended matter (apparent colour) and dissolved matter (true colour), generally organic debris
(yellowish-brown hues), manganese oxides (brown or blackish) and industrial wastes (various colours). Colour tests
the efficacy of the water treatment system, reduces the effectivenesee of chlorine as a deisinfectant and produces
carcinogenic compounds when it reacting with clorine. Reduced colour and hence reduction of the organic matter in the
water, is therefore an important parameter to control to prevent damage to the industrial process. Chemical
.coagulation is an effective method to reduce the colour level of raw water. The AWWA recommends <= 15 Platinum
Cobalt units. This is also the U.S. secondary drinking water regulation. Color can be measured using light with a
wavelength of 455 nm.

-Odour: Odour and taste are associated with the presence of living microscopic organisms; or decaying organic matter
such as weeds, algae. Chlorination can effectively dilute odour and taste caused by some contaminants but it generates
a foul odour itself when added to waters polluted with detergents and algae, therefore careful attention must be given
to odour control to ensure satisfactory water clarification and disinfection.
-Dissolved Oxygen: is the amount of oxygen found in water. It facilities lives of aquatic organisms. High quality water
has higher levels of dissolved oxygen and vice versa (Dissolved oxygen <5mg/L,aquatic life will be under stress). The
level of dissolved oxygen in water may drop because of increases in the temperature of water or the organic waste.
Dissolved oxygen is increased by churning of water during the water treatment process.
-Suspended solids: include inorganic particles (clay, silt, other soil constituents), organic particles (plant fibres,
biological solids) and particles of immisible fluids. Suspended solids are aesthetically displeasing, adsorption sites for
chemical/ biological agents and in many cases means pathogenic organisms and toxin producing algae are present.
Sedimentation is the physical water treatment process that uses gravity to remove suspended solids from water.
Biological Parameters
-Feacal coliform: are bacteria that help in identification (indicator organism) of potential contamination of water and
extent of contamination. Faecal coliform counts of up to 200 colonies per 100ml of water indicate the presences of
other disease causing microorganism. They are relatively harmless and live in large numbers in the intestines of warm
and cold blooded animals.
Question 3

Intake Screens:
Small debris like fish, vegetation and garbage are removed from the raw water by protective bar and travelling
screens.
Low lift pump:
These pumps lift water to flow through the treatment processes by gravity
Coagulation:
During coagulation, chemicals that assist in the removal of suspended solids are added to the untreated water.
Coagulants, rapidly add electrochemical charges that attract the small particles in water to clump together as a floc.
The initial charge neutralization process allows the formed floc to agglomerate but remain suspended.Coagulation is
usually a high energy, rapid mix unit process. Detention time of the coagulation is about 2-3 seconds
Flocculation:
During flocculation process, the precipitates combine into larger particles Flocs. The large amorphous aluminium and
iron (III) hydroxides adsorb and enmesh particles in suspension. By slower mixing, turbulence causes the flocculated
water to from larger floc particles and increase in mass. These flocs are then easier to remove via the subsequent
processes of sedimentation and filtration. Large paddles as mixing devices enhance the formation of the floc. Detention
time of flocculation ranges from 10-30 minutes.
Sedimentation:
The flocculated water is applied to large volume tanks where the flow speed slows down (the flow is almost devoid of
turbulence) and the dense floc settles to the bottom. The settled floc is then removed after it resides at this point to
remove all settleable particles from coagulation and is then treated as waste product. Detention time =tank volume/
incoming water flow rate, i.e detention time is inversely proportional to the incoming flow rate- as the flow rate
increases, the detention time decreases.
Filtration:
Water flows through a filter designed to remove particles in the water. The filters are made of layers of sand and
gravel. Filtration collects the suspended impurities in water and enhances the effectiveness of disinfection. Filter
retention time = filter size/pump rate.
Ion Exchange:
Ion exchange processes are used to remove inorganic contaminants if they cannot be removed adequately by filtration
or sedimentation. It can also be used to remove arsenic, chromium, excess fluoride, nitrates, radium, and uranium.]
Adsorption: adsorbents are combined the chemical and physical processes that organic contaminants and the
compounds that impart color, taste and odor to water are removed. Detention time is generally 3-4 seconds.
Disinfection:
Water is disinfected before it enters the distribution system to ensure that any disease-causing bacteria, viruses, and
parasites are eliminated. Chlorine is used because it is a very effective disinfectant, and residual concentrations can be
maintained to guard against possible biological contamination in the water distribution system. The factors affecting
disinfection include contact time, pH, concentration or intensity of the disinfectant, concentration of the organisms and
concentration of interfering substances. 15-30 Minutes are average detention time requirements but 1 hour detention
time is often recommended.
Fluoridation

Water fluoridation is the treatment of community water supplies for the purpose of adjusting the concentration of the
free fluoride ion to the optimum level sufficient to reduce dental caries.
pH correction: Lime is added to the filtered water to adjust the pH and stabilise the naturally soft water in order to
minimise corrosion in the distribution system, and within customers plumbing.
Chemicals used in the treatment will include:
Coagulation and flocculation: Coagulants will be used to help in formation of flocs by formation of agglutination of
particles. Many flocculants are multivalent cations such as allumium, iron, and calcium. Alum is used as it is able to
clarify water because it has a neutralizing electrical double layer.
Common coagulants and dosage for best floc formation are shown in the table below;
Coagulant
Ferric sulphate (FeSO47H2O)
Ferric Sulphate (Fe2(SO4)3
Ferric Chloride (FeCl3)
Sodium Aluminate (Na2Al2O4)
Aluminium Sulphate(Alum)- Al2
(SO4)3, 18H2

pH Range
5.5-11
5.5-11
5.5-11
5.5-8
5.5-8

Dosage mg/L
8.5-51
8.5-51
8.5-51
3.4-34
5-85

Sedimentation: No chemicals as settling occurs naturally as flocculated particles settle out of the water.
Ion enchange: Liquid ferric sulfate, lime, polymer, chlorine, and ammonia are added to the water. The water and
chemicals are mixed together to start the purification process. These chemicals kill germs, improve taste and odor, and
help settle solids.
Adsorbsion: General adsorption needs adsorbent which included activated carbon, zeolite, and diatomite, the pollutants
are adsorption removal.
Disinfectants: This will include the use of chlorine. The concentrations used are low ( 0.1 ppm) as the chemical is very
effective in killing bacteria. The use of chlorine in such low concentrations is not harmful in any to human health.
Pre chlorination: Chlorine applied prior to the sedimentation and filtration process is known as pre chlorination. This is
practiced when the water is heavily polluted and to remove taste, odor, color and growth of algae on treatment units.
Pre-chlorination improves coagulation and post chlorination dosage may be reduced.
Post chlorination: When the chlorine is added in the water after all the treatment is known as Post-chlorination.
Chlorine demand and recommended dose (=demand + residual) is shown in the tables below (EPA onsite manual)

Wastewater treatment
Primary effluent
Trickling filter effluent
Activated sludge effluent
Filtered activated sludge effluent
Nitrified effluent
Septic tank effluent
Intermittent sand filter effluent
Chlorine decay
pH
6
7
8

Septic tank effluent

35-50mg/L
40-55mg/L
60-65mg/L

Demand, mg/L
10 - 25
5 15
4- 10
4- 8
4- 8
10- 30
2-6
2-4 mg/L-hr
Package bio plant
15-30mg/L
20-35mg/L
30-45mg/L

Sand filter effluent

2-10mg/L
10-20mg/L
20-35mg/L

Neutralising agents: to control the pH of the raw water, neutralisers which raise or lower the pH are used. The use
depends on the initial pH of raw water. It is notable that use of neutraliser has a warming effect on the water which
reduces oxygen levels.
pH correction: Lime is added to the filtered water to adjust the pH and stabilise the naturally soft water in order to
minimise corrosion in the distribution system, and within customers plumbing.

References:
(S. Kawamura, Integrated Design of Water Treatment Facilities, John Wiley & Sons, 1991)
World Health Organization, 2004, 'Trichloroacetic Acid in Drinking-water'
World Health Organization, 2003, 'pH in Drinking-water'.
Martin J. Allen, RWBRC, Steve E. Hrudey (Chair), and Pierre Payment & Committee, MTA February 28, 2008,
'TURBIDITY AND MICROBIAL RISK IN DRINKING WATER'.