AWWA MTC57540

This research documents the transition of a small system (2300 customers in Carthage, North Carolina) from conventional treatment (alum coagulation-sedimentation-filtration) to microfiltration (MF). The new MF facility began delivering water to the distribution system on May 24, 2002. In the new scheme, no chemicals are added ahead of MF. Monthly data collection and daily plant operating records were used to document the treatment efficiency and water quality in the distribution system for five months prior to the conversion and after the conversion. The ultimate goal of the research was to determine the tangible benefits of the conversion to MF at the customer's tap. Thus far, the results have shown that MF has improved turbidity and particle removal and this is reflected in measurements made within the distribution system. However, problems unrelated to the efficiency of MF remain to be solved so that disinfection byproduct formation and bacterial regrowth can be controlled. Lessons learned here with regard to efficiency of treatment, costs and water quality improvements will be of great benefit to many small systems that are facing similar problems. Includes 2 references, tables, figures.