Spatiotemporal Water Quality Variations in Smaller Water Supply Systems: Using Modified CCME WQI from Groundwater Source to Distribution Networks

Abstract

Original Canadian Council of Minster of the Environment Water Quality Index (CCME WQI) is being used for assessing the water quality of surface water sources and distribution systems on a case by case basis. Its full potential as a management tool for complete water supply systems (WSSs) has yet to be recognized at the global level. A framework is developed using the modified CCME WQI to assess spatiotemporal water quality from groundwater source to treatment and distribution networks in smaller systems. The modified index resolves a limitation of the original index by also evaluating the microbiological water quality parameters which have to be completely absent for meeting desired drinking water quality standards. The framework divides the distribution network in different zones, which are further segregated into districts, to improve the decision-making process. Temporal assessment identifies the seasons with higher probabilities of failures, while the spatial assessment provides an insight on the performance (i.e., Excellent to Poor) of each district in a distribution network. In addition to failure probability, risk mapping gives appropriate attention to the number of consumers in different districts. Application of the framework on two smaller WSSs (population less than 50,000) in Qassim region revealed that the remotely located districts from the treatment facility underperform in comparison to the closely situated districts. Managers can effectively apply the proposed framework to identify the locations and periods of water quality failures in each component (i.e., source, treatment, and distribution) of a smaller WSS for effective utilization of their resources in Saudi Arabia and elsewhere with similar conditions.

Assessment Framework for Natural Groundwater Contamination in Arid Regions: Development of Indices and Wells Ranking System Using Fuzzy VIKOR Method

“…In KSA, the presence of Fe in the groundwater has been frequently reported in past studies [1,30,31]. In the most recent edition of WHO drinking water quality guidelines, no health-based limits were suggested for Fe in drinking water systems; nevertheless, accumulation of iron can occur in water supplied with values > 0.05 mg/L, which can lead to the growth of "Crenothrix", i.e., an iron-based bacterium, and >0.3 mg/L can result in staining of fixtures and clothes at the consumer end [32].…”

Continuous Performance Improvement Framework for Sustainable Wastewater Treatment Facilities in Arid Regions: Case of Wadi Rumah in Qassim, Saudi Arabia

“…All parameters were tested as per the standard methods for the examination of water and wastewater analysis prescribed by American Public Health Association [ 60 ]. The HACH 440d multi-parameter meter was used to measure TDS and pH [ 14 ]. TSS was determined by the gravimetric method.…”

“…As Equation (10) cannot adapt a complete absence (target value) of microbiological parameters, the following modification to the original CWQI is proposed [ 14 ]: where WQI MB is the microbiological water quality index.…”

“…The effluent standards are set for safe discharge to the natural environment and reuse of treated wastewater to protect the natural environment and human health [ 10 , 11 , 12 ]. Aggregated indices are commonly used around the world for water quality assessment, as they concisely inform of the health of natural systems and the performance of manmade systems [ 13 , 14 , 15 ]. Its simplicity of expressing the extensive water quality data into understandable terms (e.g., excellent, good, and poor) makes the information of measurements widely communicated.…”

“…In the past, the CWQI was widely applied in the assessment of surface water [ 20 ], groundwater [ 21 ], water supply systems [ 14 ], and watersheds [ 22 ]. Gikas et al [ 23 ] recently applied CWQI and the methodology of the Water Framework Directive proposed by the Ministry of Environment and Energy of Greece (WFD-MEEG) to assess the chemical status of a transboundary river.…”