Performance of Rapid Rate Filtration Plants in
Washington
The performance of rapid rate filters for turbidity (particle) removal
is a key element in protecting consumers from microbial contaminants and
maximizing public health. While the Office of Drinking Water (ODW)
has always been interested in the turbidity data submitted by systems on
their Monthly Operations Reports (MOR), in recent years new evaluation
tools have been used. Maximum daily turbidity values reported in
the MORs are now entered into the Optimization Assessment Software
computer program. This software permits efficient and effective
analysis of these large data packages. Based on these analyses we
have been able to rank systems according to their relative performance.
Systems Meeting Turbidity Optimization Goals in
2010 (PDF) are ranked on this graph using the 95th percentile maximum daily
filtered water turbidity
reported by each system. The maximum annual turbidity for each system is
also shown. Only surface water systems which operate rapid
rate filtration plants meeting the turbidity components of the optimization criteria are identified in the graph.
Read more about optimization criteria
(PDF)
Washington State Rapid Rate
Treatment Plant Performance Trends (PDF) illustrates
turbidity reduction performance improvement by all rapid rate treatment
plants in Washington as a group from 2001 through 2010. Improved
performance equates to improved public health protection. Data points
are the average of all included treatment plants for the given year.
There are currently 64 rapid rate treatment plants in our state.
Treatment Optimization Program (TOP)
The ODW Treatment Optimization Program (TOP) was started in 2001. In
2009, ODW started a recognition program for systems that have
consistently met the turbidity goals for three, five, and ten
consecutive-year periods. Bronze, silver, and gold certificates are awarded to
systems the first time they meet the turbidity goals for three, five,
and ten consecutive years, respectively.
In 2009, ODW presented certificates of achievement for excellent
treatment performance to 14 systems meeting the criteria. In 2010, ODW
presented certificates of achievement for excellent treatment
performance to five more systems. 2011 marks the first year that ODW
presented gold certificates to four systems providing excellent
treatment for ten consecutive years. This is a very significant
achievement! Also in 2011, ODW presented three more silver certificates
and two more bronze. Besides meeting the goals, the award
winners had to remain free of any drinking water violations during the
evaluation period. Congratulations to our 2011 award
recipients! (See below.)
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Arlington Water Department's Don Smith
(at left) with Department of Health's Bob James. |
Reuel Klempel, Plant Manager,
Pasco Water Department. |
From left: Skagit Councilmen Jim Cook,
Robbie Robertson, and Al Littlefield. |
2011 TOP Award Recipients
In recognition of excellent performance
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Gold Award Recipients
Ten years of continuously optimized
performance, 2001-2010
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Arlington Water Department*
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Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer
District – South Shore Water System*
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Pasco Water Department*
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Skagit County PUD #1 – Judy
Reservoir System*
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Silver Award Recipients
Five-years or more of continuously optimized performance
- City of Chelan Water Department (2006-2010)*
- City of Cusick (2006-2010)*
- Ferndale (2004-2010)
- Hoquiam Water Department (2005-2010)
- City of Kelso (2006-2010)*
- Lake Chelan Reclamation District (2005-2010)
- Stevens Pass Water System (2005-2010)
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Bronze Award Recipients
Three-years or more of continuously optimized performance
- Blakely Island Maintenance Commission (2008-2010)*
- Department of Energy 200W (2007-2010)
- Lummi Island Scenic Estates Community Club (2008-2010)*
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| * First-time award recipient for 2011 |
The idea of optimization is to achieve the
best treatment possible, using the existing treatment facilities. Participating in the program is voluntary. Treatment goals are set
as the target to reach. There are no consequences or repercussions
for not achieving the goals. The goals are achievable by all
properly designed and diligently operated treatment plants. If the
treatment goals are met, the regulatory treatment performance
requirements should also easily be satisfied. The operator gets
the satisfaction of meeting or exceeding the performance goals and the
system gets a more skilled operator and better public health protection. Our goal is to have all surface water systems produce and provide
optimal water quality reasonably achievable from their facilities.
Information on where to get assistance on
improving treatment plant performance can be obtained by contacting your
regional ODW office.
Regional Office surface water contacts:
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