AWWA JAW59039

Riverbank filtration (RBF) offers water suppliers an alternative treatment option for the control of disinfection byproducts (DBPs) and microbial contaminants. In the process of RBF, water infiltrates and travels through aquifer sediments, undergoing a combination of physical, chemical, and biological processes that can significantly improve raw water quality. Although RBF has been extensively used in Europe for many years, it has only recently attracted interest and support among US utilities. This study monitored the fate of DBP precursors and selected microorganisms during RBF at three Midwestern US drinking water sites. Results demonstrated that RBF was successful at controlling DBP formation and provided a barrier to microbial contamination of drinking water supplies. With RBF, all three sites experienced significant reductions in total organic carbon, dissolved organic carbon, and DBP precursors. The US Environmental Protection Agency is currently considering assigning Giardia and Cryptosporidium treatment credit to RBF in the development of the Long-Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule. This research gives utilities and legislators data to confirm RBF as an effective treatment option and support the application of treatment credits to the process. Includes 60 references, tables, figures.