AWWA ACE56352

The objective of this study was to take advantage of the unique opportunity afforded by the Information Collection Rule (ICR) Treatment Study database to analyze the data for trends in granular activated carbon (GAC) effectiveness. The database allows the effects of water quality parameters and plant design variables on GAC service life to be evaluated. Statistical analysis was conducted to study the relationships between GAC service life and factors such as geographical location, raw water quality, GAC type, empty-bed contact times (EBCT), and plant pretreatment. Two potential products of this study of GAC efficiency trends are: the development of statistical models that utilities can use to perform desktop GAC treatment feasibility studies prior to more expensive bench- or pilot-scale testing; and, a tool for utilities to optimize their current utilization of GAC and reduce treatment costs. In this paper, the methodology that could be used to evaluate the entire database is demonstrated for one geographical region. Includes 7 references, tables, figures.