Package plants for small systems: a field study

Abstract

Most package plants surveyed for this article were in compliance, but recordkeeping was inadequate and standardized levels of operator certification were lacking. A joint field study was conducted by AWWA and the Drinking Water Research Division of the US Environmental Protection Agency to evaluate existing small community systems that use package plant technology. Forty‐eight package plant systems representing a geographic and technological cross section were evaluated through an examination of historical water quality, financial records, site visits, and analysis of samples of raw and finished water. Most systems were performing adequately; however, a few were not in compliance with standards for turbidity or inorganic contaminants. Standardized levels of operator certification, knowledge and use of technical assistance, and good management practices were lacking in many systems. In addition, several systems would have difficulty complying with parts of the Disinfectants/Disinfection By‐products Rule or the Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.

Small System Compliance Technology for the SWTR

“…Slow sand filtration. Slow sand filters are simple, easy to use, and available in package plant configurations 4 , 5 . Slow sand filters have low maintenance requirements, and performance is less dependent on the operator.…”