Success Stories - Turbidity Optimization

At WTC Wainwright, the multi-barrier approach for cryptosporidium and giardia removal / inactivation was adopted. Figure 1 demonstrates the maximum filtered water turbidity, some of the typical data monitored and recorded at the water system. The maximum filtered water turbidity was plotted to determine the effectiveness of the filter barrier. During this period of testing, the Canadian Drinking Water Guidelines requirement for maximum filtered turbidity was 1.0 NTU. A more stringent optimized objective for turbidity of 0.1 NTU was targeted by the optimization program; this is denoted by the solid lower boundary in the same figure.

 Figure 1 – Optimization of turbidity at WTC Wainwright WTP

Prior to on-site activities, the values for filtered turbidity are rarely above the guideline of 1.0 ntu. On the surface, the staff appeared to be effectively controlling the plant’s processes. However, once on-site activities began, the turbidity values dropped closer to the optimized goal of 0.1 ntu, indicating that the plant was not running optimally. In addition, after optimization activities began, the data became much less variable indicating that the staff was in control of the plant. The result was much safer water for the consumers.

Improving wastewater quality (ex. total phosphorous) through improved process control and data monitoring... more

Tremendous improvements in filtered turbidity results through optimization activities at WTC Wainwright WTP...more

In addition to the improved water and wastewater treatment, a significant amount of money can be saved through optimization activies....more

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