AWWA INF52163

Finished water storage facilities play a key role in maintaining the quality of drinking water ultimately received by the consumer. Without proper operation and maintenance of these facilities, the stored water may easily become stagnant and subject to loss of chlorine residual, bacterial regrowth, contaminant entry, and a host of other water quality problems. A recently completed American Water Works Association Research Foundation-sponsored research project sought to develop practical guidelines for operating and maintaining finished water storage facilities to prevent water quality problems. Project elements included a literature review, a survey of utility practices, a survey of tank inspection firms, as well as case studies and field studies. This paper summarizes key guidelines and recommendations from the research project. Includes 16 references, tables, figure.