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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 2008 (PDF 15KB) are ranked on this graph using the 95th percentile maximum daily 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 (PDF 86KB) are identified in the graph.

The graph, Washington State Rapid Rate Treatment Plant Performance Trends (PDF 14 KB), illustrates turbidity reduction performance improvement by all rapid rate treatment plants in Washington as a group from 2001 through 2008. 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.

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 Program Leads:

Eastern Region: Michael Wilson (509) 456-3186

Northwest Region: Nancy Feagin (253) 395-6765

Southwest Region: Teresa Walker (360) 236-3032

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