2.

7 Distinguishes the differences in terms of operation and design between phases of

treatment plants

Natural and wastewater contain small particles that may or may not be harmful to human
health. They are often suspended in the form of colloid in water. These particles carry the same
charges. Due to the repelling property of same charges, they will not combine together. So, human
use their knowledge to solve this situation.(Carroll, 2016a)

One is coagulation. In coagulation, MWRA considers the method of addition of electrolyte

is widely used. Charged particulates are combined with ions, thereby neutralize the charges. The
neutral particulates are then combine together, forming larger particulates and settle down(Carroll,
2016a).

In sedimentation process, the water is let to sit around. The coagulated particles is then
settled out. This process works best with relatively dense particles, for instance, silts. Meanwhile,
flotation works better for lighter particles such as algae. The settling tank should be big enough
since it takes four hours or longer for the process to get through. Inlets and outlets are designed to
allow the slow movement of water in the tank. The settled particles, sludge, is then removed from
the tanks(Carroll, 2016a).

In filtration process, solids are removed by letting the treated water passing through a
porous medium installed in filter tank. For different condition, different porous size are chosen.
According to MWRA, medium and fine porous media have been widely used. The filter media are
artificial membranes, nets, sand filter, and high technological filter systems. The filtering speed is
medium. MWRA use gravity rather than pressure for the flow required for filtration(Carroll,
2016a).
2.8 What are the chemicals used in each of the processes and the estimated concentration
used?

Table below shows the chemical and estimated concentration used by MWRA in treating the water.

Water Treatment Steps for Metro West and Metro Boston Communities
Water for most MWRA communities is treated at the John J. Carroll Water Treatment Plant at
Walnut Hill in Marlborough.
Treatment Current Purpose
Dose
Ozone 1.5-4.0 Primary disinfectant, to achieve
mg/l 99.9% Giardia inactivation
Sodium bisulfite 0.0-3.5 To remove ozone
mg/l
Ultraviolet Light Second primary disinfectant, to inactivate chemically
resistant parasites such as Cryptosporidium
Sodium hypochlorite 3-4 mg/l For residual disinfection, to protect water as it travels
(chlorine) through the pipe network
Sodium 0.6 mg/l For dental health
hydrofluorosilicic acid
(fluoride)
Aqueous ammonia 0.6-0.85 To combine with chlorine to form
mg/l monochloramine for residual disinfection
Sodium carbonate 35-37 To raise the alkalinity of the water for pH buffering;
mg/l to minimize lead and copper leaching from home
plumbing
Carbon dioxide 4.5-8.5 To adjust pH to final level
mg/l
Figure 2.8: Dosage and purpose of each parameter for water treatment by MWRA(Carroll, 2016a)
2.9 What are the water quality parameters being tested in each process and determine the
guideline requirements by relevant authorities?

Generally, MWRA uses about six indicators to determine water quality:

First of all, microbial. MWRA monitors the total coliform bacteria in water to analyze the
overall bacteriological activity. They do, on the other hand, collects the taste and odor complaints,
and decisions on source water treatment for algae control too.

Second, turbidity. Turbidity is a measure of suspended and colloidal particles including

clay, silt, organic and inorganic matter, algae, and microorganisms(Carroll, 2016b) .

Third, alkalinity. It has to be monitored and adjusted to minimize the leaching of lead and
copper in home plumbing systems. Water provided by MWRA is lead free when it is sent to houses.
However, household plumbing may contain lead. It will then enter the tap water through
leaching(Carroll, 2016b).

Fourth, disinfectant. MWRA has treated water with ozone as primary disinfection. The
disinfectant by-products are trihalomethanes (TTHMs) and Haloacetic Acids (HAAs)(Carroll,
2016b).
2.10 Determine the average concentration or the value of the water quality parameters and
determine the causes that affect the quality of water.

The average concentration or the value of the water quality parameters is shown in part 2.8.
The causes that affect the quality of water includes yellowish water, greenish stains, pink stains,
cloudy water and pH value which will be discussed in part 2.11.
2.11 What are the major issues encountered in treating the raw water in that particular
location?

The first common issue encountered is yellowish water. In location chosen, it experiences
four seasons. During winters, they tend to have yellowish-looking water from taps. It stains
residents’ properties(Carroll, 2016b).

Next, rusty water. According to the feedbacks, they do receive rusty-looking water. Red
water may occurs when there is change in water flow, which largely caused by changes made by
local towns(Carroll, 2016b).

Other than that, greenish stains on plumbing fixtures. Certain users are having green stains
on their bathtub. According to MWRA, green stains on plumbing fixtures is caused by copper
leaching from the plumbing in residents’ house(Carroll, 2016b).

Besides, pink stains on plumbing fixtures. Certain feedback says that people get pink stains
in their bathroom, laundry room, or kitchen sink. These pink stains are usually caused by
biofilms(Carroll, 2016b).

Moreover, cloudy water. The hot and cold water from kitchen sink sometimes present
cloudy. It is caused by air bubbles in the water. It happens when it is very cold outside and air gets
mixed in with the water supply(Carroll, 2016b).

Another problem is the fishy or earthy smell. In spring and fall, people may notice a fishy
or earthy taste and odour to the water (Carroll, 2016b).

People do concern on the pH of MWRA water. MWRA treats its water so that it has a pH
of approximately 9.3, a slightly alkaline measurement. Untreated "raw" water in MWRA's
Quabbin Reservoir has a pH of approximately 6.8, close to neutral(Carroll, 2016b).

Last but not least, bacteria. Bacteria are everywhere we go in the world, but there are certain
types of bacteria that unwanted to be seen in the water supply, since MWRA concerns public
health(Carroll, 2016b).
2.12 Determine the measures taken to mitigate the issues in 2.11.

To overcome the yellowish water issue, MWRA suggests that residents can purchase low
cost products from hardware stores to remove rust stains from clothing and household surfaces.
Besides, MWRA and customer communities replace and rehabilitate old pipes a few miles at a
time. It is expensive but effective. As refer to them, long term solutions take time, but they are
constantly cleaning and replacing as much pipe as they can(Carroll, 2014).

To overcome the presence of rusty water in the water supplies, the local water department
should updating themselves with current knowledge. If possible, resident should avoid using water
for laundry, dishes, cooking and drinking until the condition clears up(Carroll, 2014).

Referring to the greenish stain problem, MWRA does adjust the pH of the water to reduce
the tendency of copper and lead to leach into the drinking water(Carroll, 2014).

To prevent the pink stains, scrubbing and chlorine bleach are the best solutions to eliminate
the presence of the pink residue. The pink residue can be avoided by bathtubs and sinks wiped
down and dry(Carroll, 2014).

The best solution to solve the cloudy water problem is by letting it sit in an open container
until the bubbles naturally disappear(Carroll, 2014).

To remove the fishy or earthy smell, MWRA use copper sulphate. It helps to control the
natural algae growth in the affected reservoir(Carroll, 2014).

pH measures the amount of hydrogen ion activity in a substance. MWRA now treats the
water at the Interim Corrosion Control (ICC) facility with sodium carbonate (soda ash) and CO 2
(carbon dioxide) to control the pH of water(Carroll, 2014).

Last but not least, bacteria. MWRA community take water samples, tested for bacteria
counts (coliform). If more than 5% of coliform is collected in the samples in a month, the
community is required to notify residents in their locale. Then the lab should conduct additional
testing to determine if E. coli is present. If E.coli is present, public health has to be concerned. To
solve this problem, residents may cook to boil the water before use(Carroll, 2014).
Carroll, J. J. (2014, January 16). MWRA - FAQs about Drinking Water [Article]. Retrieved

November 26, 2016, from http://www.mwra.com/04water/html/qual4concerns.htm

Carroll, J. J. (2016a, March 11). MWRA - John J. Carroll Water Treatment Plant [Article].

Retrieved November 26, 2016, from http://www.mwra.com/04water/html/carrollwtp.html

Carroll, J. J. (2016b, November 23). MWRA - Water Quality Measures and Updates [Article].

Retrieved November 26, 2016, from

http://www.mwra.state.ma.us/monthly/wqupdate/qual3wq.htm

Kirmeyer, G. J. (2000). Distribution System Water Quality Changes Following Corrosion

Control Strategies. American Water Works Association.