Presentation Abstract

Optimizing Surface Water Treatment - The use of chemicals to treat water sources is oftentimes the highest annual cost associated with maintaining a public drinking water supply system. Depending on source waters, coagulation and flocculation can have the greatest impact on operation of filters and maintaining a safe drinking water supply. Optimizing Surface Water Treatment will focus on how operators can improve their water treatment and distribution system.

The presentation of this seminar is based on experience, data, and application of the principals of water treatment design, as standardized, in part, by AWWA and the USEPA Office of Water. With a developed knowledge of the types of coagulants and process aids available, the presentation will take a look at how to evaluate potential improvements using relatively simple bench and pilot testing techniques. Operators may use the techniques discussed to help optimize chemical performance and potentially reduce chemical operating costs.

Experience has shown that the proper sequence of chemical injection, along with the correct equipment can be related to lower chemical costs. Portions of the presentation will also focus on how to implement a change in the treatment process to incorporate a new chemical or different injection point. Using the results from a Comprehensive Performance Evaluation (CPE) along with regular facility monitoring, participants will learn about potential indicators that reflect an overall improvement in operations.

Filter Surveillance - The presentation of this seminar is based upon the AWWA sponsored workshop entitled "Filter Surveillance Techniques for Water Utilities" which pertains to dual media gravity filters typically used to treat surface water supplies. The filtering process is one of the most critical steps in the treatment of raw water as it requires operator knowledge and "hands-on" experience to provide safely treated water, which is in compliance with increasingly stringent regulations. Filter operations and filter capabilities both are vital to satisfying the treatment process goals and objectives. This filter surveillance classroom presentation will discuss backwash evaluation tests consisting of filter rise rates, boil test, backwash waste turbidity profile, and filter bed expansion to aid the operator in conducting effective and efficient backwashing. The mechanical elements of the filters (e.g. media, underdrains, air scouring, etc…) will be discussed in relation to filter bed/media tests consisting of filter coring, media sampling and inspections for mudballs, media interface, and media depth. The two-day workshop sponsored by AWWA is conducted at a treatment facility to enhance the presentation of information and to provide "in the field" demonstrations. This 3-hour "overview seminar" will consist only of classroom presented materials with examples and illustrations of field demonstrations and applied practices.

Speakers
Brian L. Hackman, P.E.
Mr. Hackman has more than 8 years of experience in research and design of water supply and treatment projects for both ground and surface water communities in the Midwest. His experience includes the development of bench and pilot testing protocols for State public water supply design approval, procurement specification development for advanced drinking water treatment processes, construction management and general observation, and first-of-its-kind implementation, design, and start-up of membrane filtration and co-filtration HMO facilities in Illinois and Kentucky. Over the years, Brian has been responsible for the development of full-scale design criteria based from bench and pilot scale studies for several green-field water treatment facilities. Mr. Hackman has served on the National AWWA Membrane Filtration Research Committee (1998-2000) and presented numerous papers on surface water treatment, regulatory issues, and membrane filtration for various state AWWA chapters. Mr. Hackman holds two degrees: B.S. in Civil Engineering, with honors, 1996 and M.S. of Environmental Engineering in Civil Engineering, 1998, both from the University of Illinois-Urbana. Brian is a licensed Professional Engineer in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Kentucky.

S. John Calise, P.E.
Mr. Calise has more than 20 years of experience in the fields of water, wastewater, and storm water infrastructure improvements. His experience includes infrastructure improvement projects related to water and wastewater; facility planning/feasibility reports; development of Capital Improvement Programs (CIP); design and construction observation of water/wastewater treatment plants, including costs estimates, and permitting. Various engineering work responsibilities include hydraulic analysis using computer modeling; preparation of construction documents; and preparation of permit requirements for municipal utility projects involving water distribution/pumping/treatment facilities. Mr. Calise has attended the two-day WTP Filter Surveillance Seminar sponsored by AWWA. Mr. Calise holds two degrees: B.S. Civil Engineering, University of Missouri at Rolla, 1979 and M.S. Hydraulics/Hydrology, University of Missouri at Rolla, 1981. He is licensed as a Professional Engineer in Florida, Illinois and Missouri.

Ed J. DeGroot
Mr. DeGroot has more than 30 years of experience in environmental work. He has served as supervising designer, project manager, and construction observer for numerous potable water and wastewater projects including design, construction observation, and start-up of several new water treatment plants, renovations of existing water treatment plants, wells and water distribution systems. He has attended the two-day WTP Filter Surveillance Seminar sponsored by AWWA and assisted several communities in conducting/evaluating their filter needs. He holds a Class A Illinois Public Water Supply Operators license.