AWWA WQTC52945

The Kentucky-American Water Company (KAWC), has worked with two small contiguous systemsexperiencing elevated disinfection byproduct (DBP) levels to identify key factors and take actions to improve the water quality. Activities have consisted of extensive sampling of source, process, and distribution waters for total organic carbon (TOC), DBPs, and other disinfection-related parameters along with assessing operations in both systems. Specialized plant studies have included disinfection CT assessments as well as jar testing both on- and off-site. Through these efforts, source water has been characterized as particularly challenging (i.e., highly buffered with high TOC and varying levels of manganese and organic nitrogen). A significant amount of DBP formation has been found to occur within the treatment facility. Plant and distribution componentsand practices have been identified related to improving TOC removal and DBP minimization. Detailed operational procedures were developed inconjunction with step-wise treatment changes. Includes 6 references, tables, figures.