Books published by IWA Publishing

The drinking water and wastewater industries are interested in developing a better understanding of sources of fecal contamination. Microbial source tracking (MST) offers the potential to apportion the contribution of various animal groups to this contamination. However, while there are many methods available there is no clear indication as to the most appropriate approach. There has been little systematic comparison of methods and only a few blind trials, and issues of reproducibility, accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, resolution, and robustness need to be addressed. There is confusion among potential end-users and some disagreement among scientists. Therefore, due to the uncertainty surrounding the most appropriate tools and applications of MST, a workshop of 45 experts representing water and wastewater utilities, academia, state and federal government agencies, medical institutions, and private laboratories was convened in San Antonio, Texas over a three-day period (February 16 - 18, 2005). The overall objective of the workshop was to identify the knowledge gaps and research needs for application of MST technologies by the wastewater and drinking water industries.

Slow sand filtration is typically cited as being the first 'engineered' process in drinking-water treatment. This title provides an assessment on a variety of biofiltration systems from studies conducted around the world.

This book has been produced to give a total overview of the Activated Sludge Model (ASM) family at the start of 2000 and to give the reader easy access to the different models in their original versions. It thus presents ASM1, ASM2, ASM2d and ASM3 together for the first time. Modelling of activated sludge processes has become a common part of the design and operation of wastewater treatment plants. Today models are being used in design, control, teaching and research. Contents ASM3: Introduction, Comparison of ASM1 and ASM3, ASM3: Definition of compounds in the model, ASM3: Definition of processes in the Model, ASM3: Stoichiometry, ASM3: Kinetics, Limitations of ASM3, Aspects of application of ASM3, ASM3C: A Carbon based model, Conclusion ASM 2d: Introduction, Conceptual Approach, ASM 2d, Typical Wastewater Characteristics and Kinetic and Stoichiometric Constants, Limitations, Conclusion ASM 2: Introduction, ASM 2, Typical Wastewater Characteristics and Kinetic and Stoichiometric Constants, Wastewater Characterization for Activated Sludge Processes, Calibration of the ASM 2, Model Limitations, Conclusion, Bibliography ASM 1: Introduction, Method of Model Presentation, Model Incorporating Carbon Oxidation Nitrification and Denitrification, Characterization of Wastewater and Estimation of Parameter Values, Typical Parameter Ranges, Default Values, and Effects of Environmental Factors, Assumptions, Restrictions and Constraints, Implementation of the Activated Sludge Model Scientific and Technical Report No.9

The purpose of this study was to assess the economic feasibility of using large-scale, restored wetlands to assist publicly owned treatment works (POTWs) in meeting the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (USEPA) recommended criteria for nutrients, specifically, total nitrogen (2.18 mg/l) and total phosphorous (0.076 mg/l). The assessment compares the cost of nutrient control by advanced wastewater treatment technology to that of wetland treatment technology. The comparison was based on several economic factors: annual operating costs, average costs, marginal costs, and present value. To explore the economic relationship between wastewater and treatment wetlands and to quantify the magnitude of wetland area needed, a case study was developed using the seven water reclamation plants (WRPs) owned and operated by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRDGC) and proposed treatment wetlands located adjacent to the Illinois River in the upper Illinois River watershed. Cost functions for both technologies were developed.

The expanding use of decentralized wastewater management has resulted in an increased interest in small-scale wetland treatment systems. However, there is limited information available on the use, distribution of and performance of these small-scale systems. The purpose of this study was to address this knowledge gap by developing criteria for the feasibility, design, operation, and maintenance of small-scale wetland treatment systems. Monitoring data from the assembled small-scale wetland database was used to develop sizing criteria for FWS and VSB wetlands. Loading rates and corresponding effluent quality were developed for BOD, TSS, TKN, phosphorus, and fecal coliform bacteria. Where there was adequate data, the variation in monthly vs. annual average effluent concentration was assessed to provide a factor-of-safety approach to wetland sizing. Information on internal processes, hydraulic design, operation, maintenance, cost, and industrial applications of constructed wetlands is also presented in this report.

New edition available September 2013 Institutional Governance and Regulation of Water Services provides the key elements of policy, governance and regulation necessary for sustainable water and sanitation services. On policy matters, it covers important aspects of separation of policy and delivery, integrated planning, sustainable cost recovery, provisions for the poor, and transparency. Regulation and Regulatory Bodies are presented in their various forms, with discussion of why some form of independent scrutiny is essential for sustainability. There is a separate chapter on Drinking Water Quality Regulation including setting standards and discussion on how to incorporate managing risk in regulatory approaches.It is the first book to give a comprehensive review of the key elements of policy, governance and regulation for sustainable water services, based on experience from around the world. The focus is on what works and what does not, based on consideration of basic principles and on case studies in both developing and developed countries. Institutional Governance and Regulation of Water Services is an invaluable information source for national and local governments responsible for water policy, for water utility managers, and for students who will be the policy makers of tomorrow. It should also be of value to all those concerned with water policy matters in donor agencies and international banks as well as for academics involved in the teaching of water policy, governance and regulation.About the author: Michael Rouse is a Distinguished Research Associate at the University of Oxford and manages the Institutional Governance and Regulation module of the University's MSc Course on Water Science, Policy and Management. He was formerly Head of the Drinking Water Inspectorate in London and has extensive knowledge and experience of water governance and regulation, including all aspects of audit and enforcement, and the governance issues related to both public sector management and privatisation. He has wide knowledge of water technical and operational matters, based on his applied research and development background at the Water Research Centre, where he spent 9 years as Managing Director. Michael has a good understanding of international water matters and advises governments on policy and regulation. He is a Past President of the International Water Association. He is a visiting professor at Tsinghua University in Beijing and at the Shanghai Academy of Social Science. In 2000 he was awarded the CBE (Commander of the British Empire) for his professional services.

Outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis throughout the world, especially the massive outbreak in Milwakee in 1993 drew public attention to the quality of drinking water supplies and to the efficiency of water treatment methods. Cryptosporidiosis is a severe gastrointestinal disease caused by the transmissive form of Cryptosporidium parvum protozoan and its oocysts. Digestion of as few as 30 oocysts may be fatal to infants, elderly and immunocompromized persons. C. parvum oocysts are ubiquitous in untreated water and extremely resistant to harsh environmental conditions including standard water treatment procedures. We have developed an integrated modeling strategy to quantify the risk of surface drinking water contamination by water borne pathogens, in particular the oocysts of C. parvum, from agricultural non-point pollution sources. This project is comprised of both a modeling and an experimental effort. The main experimental effort focused on the measurement of C. parvum oocysts partitioning in the soil/water systems with the objective of parameterizing the transport model. The pathogen transport model is based on the behavior of a single microorganism and inherently predicts the random variability of pathogen transport.

Fresh water is becoming an ever more valuable and scarce resource, and any method or approach that can contribute to the saving of fresh water resources is therefore beneficial. Dual water supply systems are water supply distribution systems employing two sources, consisting of one fresh water system for potable use, and another system of either seawater, untreated raw fresh water, or treated / reclaimed wastewater for toilet flushing purposes. The purpose of this book is to discuss the engineering and cost aspects of dual water supply systems drawing on the author's experience obtained in Hong Kong, where dual water supply systems have been used for fifty years. The book is suitable for use as a text book or reference book at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. University undergraduate students and postgraduate students in water science, civil engineering, environmental engineering and environmental science or management will be the principal audiences. Practicing engineers, managers and other practitioners in these fields will also find this an invaluable reference source.

Integrated water resource management has been discussed since at least the Civil War; yet, there is still no integrated framework for sustainably managing water. Recognizing this need, the Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF) funded a research project to develop an integrated, conceptual framework for sustainable water resources management. Through WERF funding, this framework was developed over the past four years. Development of the framework was guided by the U.N. Agenda 21, Global Water Partnership, the Enlibra Principles, and Panarchy Theory. The conceptual framework for Sustainable Water Resources Management considers water as a renewable, but finite resource with global and regional constraints. It integrates ecological, economic, and social considerations through institutional and legal/regulatory constructs to move toward sustainable water resources. Implementation of the framework is guided by a process flow chart that considers both crisis management and proactive management activities. Sustainability is as much an outcome as a goal. If water resources are viewed within a total systems context and monitored, assessed and adaptively managed through time, sustainable water resources are the outcome.

This report collates many of the significant developments that have taken place in secondary settling tank theory, design, modelling and operation.

The primary purpose of this research was to provide methods and tools that enable a water/ wastewater utility to develop and implement a performance measurement system based on a demonstrated proven approach. To achieve the purpose, the research was conducted in three phases: Core research on existing and applicable frameworks for performance measurement with experience from utilities and other government organizations, as well as outside business and industry, on leading practices in performance measurement. Steps to develop and implement performance measurement that uniquely fit water/wastewater utilities were defined to be piloted by selected utilities in Phase II. Demonstration pilot projects for developing and implementing performance measurement were carried out over a 12-18 month period at four water and wastewater utilities that were selected from a group of over a dozen utilities that applied to be pilot demonstrations, based on a mix of utility type, size, and experience with performance measurement. Research results from the pilots and ?lessons learned were applied to adjust the piloted process. Transfer of the knowledge and methods from these projects was previously shared in WERF/WEFTEC workshops and a web-conference. A process (seven-step methodology) was developed based on a Balanced Scorecard approach to develop and implement performance measures both at the enterprise (utility-wide) level and team-based level. Ways to align and coordinate measures throughout the organization were defined for process-based and initiative-based scorecards. The testing of this approach through the utility pilots led to further recommendations for involvement, education, communication and commitment of utility participants for successful performance measurement.

Understand the effects of climate change on urban water and wastewater utilities with this collection of international scientific papers. Case studies and practical planning, mitigating and adapting information provided on greenhouse gases, energy use, and water supply and quality issues.

In recent years, concerns have been raised that low concentrations of chemicals may alter the normal functions of the endocrine system, resulting in potentially significant adverse effects on growth, reproduction, and/or development. For domestic wastewater discharges to surface water bodies, estrogenic activity of effluents has been suggested by chemical analysis, biomarkers, and /or in vitro assays. Chemical Measurements. Using sensitive analytical techniques, natural or synthetic hormones and chemicals that mimic estrogen, have been detected in some domestic wastewater effluents and associated watersheds at low concentrations. Biomarkers. Several studies have demonstrated physiological changes in fish that may be attributed to exposure to estrogenic compounds. These include the presence of vitellogenin protein in male fish and/or intersex conditions. In vitro assays. The Yeast Estrogen Screen (YES) has been used to characterize estrogenicity of effluents, influents, biosolids and surface waters. This two-year WERF project explored approaches to evaluate the potential for biomarker formation as a result of effluent exposures, and the subsequent relevance of the emerging assays and physiological measurements on potential adverse impacts to individuals or populations of fish in the receiving streams. The endocrine system is complex, and many factors can influence the physiological measurements, including methods, sex, age, reproductive status, seasonal and circadian rhythms, diet, temperature, etc. and produce transient changes in physiology but no significant effect on the individual.

The emission rates of greenhouse gases (GHGs) from individual onsite septic systems used for the management of domestic wastewater were determined in this study. A static flux chamber method was used to determine the emission rates of methane, carbon dioxide, and nitrous oxide gases from eight septic tanks and two soil dispersal systems. A technique developed for the measurement of gas flow and concentration at clean-out ports was used to determine the mass flow of gases moving through the household drainage and vent system. There was general agreement in the methane emission rates for the flux chamber and vent system methods. Several sources of variability in the emission rates were also identified. The septic tank was the primary source of methane, whereas the soil dispersal system was the principal source of carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide emissions. Methane concentrations from the soil dispersal system were found to be near ambient concentrations, similarly negligible amounts of nitrous oxide were found in the septic tank. All emissions originating in the soil dispersal system were discharged through the building vent as a result of natural, wind-induced flow. The gaseous emission rate data were determined to be geometrically distributed. The geometric mean and standard deviation (sg) of the total atmospheric emission rates for methane, carbon dioxide, and nitrous oxide based on samples from the vent system were estimated to be 10.7 (sg = 1.65), 335 (sg = 2.13), and 0.20 (sg = 3.62) g/capitad, respectively. The corresponding total anthropogenic CO2 equivalence (CO2e) of the GHG emissions to the atmosphere, is about 0.1 tonne CO2e/capitayr.

Enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) has been used for decades to remove phosphorus from municipal wastewater because it allows facilities to meet water quality goals while minimizing chemical consumption and sludge production. However, there is still substantial variability in both the practices applied to achieve EBPR and the level of soluble phosphorus removal achieved. The objective of this research project was to develop information that can be used to help municipal wastewater treatment plants more efficiently and cost effectively remove phosphorus through EBPR processes. This project included detailed analysis of routine water quality and operating data, field testing observations, and special studies conducted over the course of the project to evaluate the variability of EBPR, factors influencing EBPR performance, and the relationship between EBPR and the presence of glycogen accumulating organisms (GAOs).

This Technical Brief summarizes the information that is currently available from scientific research on Endocrine Disrupting Compounds (EDCs), sometimes known as hormonally active agents. It was prepared in response to concerns over the potential for EDCs to enter the environment in treated wastewater and reuse of biosolids. This document provides a primer on the endocrine system, the nature and sources of EDCs, and their potential effects on human health and the environment. The potential for man-made chemicals to cause endocrine disrupting effects came to light as early as the 1960s. The first observed effects resulted from exposure to chlorinated pesticides such as DDT, since banned in the United States. Concern became more widespread in the 1990s, and scientists began to look at the potential effects from dozens of naturally occurring and man-made chemicals. Researchers are still working to define the scope of the problem. Thus the information presented in this Technical Brief represents still-evolving science and regulations. It is based on some three dozen publications, many of them review articles that summarize the state of the science on a particular topic. This publication can be purchased and downloaded via Pay Per View on Water Intelligence Online - click on the Pay Per View icon below

Microbial quality of water is a prime public health concern in today's world. To protect public health, the World Health Organization and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have established microbial pollution indicator standards and recommended routine monitoring of water for both total and fecal coliforms. However, the adequacy of current water quality standards to indicate the presence or absence of human pathogens is still questionable. For example, human viruses are more resistant to sewage treatment processes and environmental conditions than bacterial indicators and therefore may pose a substantial threat. It is now recognized that the absence, or a low concentration, of indicator organisms in water may not adequately reflect the absence of human viruses. In our previous study of southern California coastal waters, we found over 30% of coastal waters tested contained human viruses, and the presence of these viruses did not correlate with an elevated level of bacterial indicators (Jiang et al. 2000). The goal of this research is to develop and validate a molecular method for rapid and specific detection of microbial contaminants including human viruses and bacterial indicators in treated sewage effluents and receiving waters.

Polymer demand varies considerably for different digestion processes as well as the same digestion processes at different locations and the reasons for these differences are not known. The objectives of this research were to develop a mechanistic understanding for these differences. The differences were hypothesized to depend on both the amount of charge in a sludge sample and the characteristics of the polymer. The first phase of the research was aimed at establishing the component of the sludge that creates the polymer demand and the second phase was aimed at understanding the interactions of polymers with the components of sludge. A number of samples were collected and analyzed for factors affecting polymer demand. The samples incluced MLSS, RAS, conventional aerobically and anaerobically digested, thermophilic anaerobically digested, temperature phased anaerobically digested, and an auto-thermal aerobically digested sample. Results from the first phase showed a good linear correlation between the optimum polymer dose (OPD) and biocolloid concentration as measured by soluble protein and polysaccharide concentration. In other words, these small particles (less than 4.2 mm created a significant portion of the polymer demand, especially for digested sludges. Conditioning samples with different polymers (varying charge density and configuration, linear, branched and hydrophobic) showed that the key characteristic in determining OPD is the charge density of the polymer. The shear associated with several full-scale dewatering devices was measured and quantified using the unitless Gt term. In addition, several field trials were performed to show the impact of Fe addition on polymer demand as well as methods to reduce the shear associated with high solids centrifuges.

Treatment of drinking water was once considered sufficient for reducing the risk of infection from pathogenic organisms. However, as our knowledge of established and emerging pathogens in water has expanded, so has the need to examine their occurrence, distribution, risk to humans, and control through treatment. The increased need for wastewater reuse has resulted in attention now being focused on wastewater treatment processes and their ability to reduce the numbers of pathogenic organisms to acceptable levels. A public health concern with wastewater is the potential for transmission of infectious agents that may be present in human and animal feces. Depending upon the diseases in the contributing communities, sewage can contain varying numbers of pathogenic organisms including viruses, bacteria, helminths, and protozoa. This study focused on one pathogen, Cryptosporidium parvum, and its occurrence in wastewater. In order to conduct an occurrence study, it was firstly necessary to develop methods for recovery of Cryptosporidium oocysts from wastewater matrices. Due to the differences in matrix composition from raw sewage to tertiary effluents, different methods for recovery and enumeration of oocysts were developed based on matrix quality. A single method was developed for raw sewage and primary influents; a second method for secondary and tertiary effluents; and a third method for biosolids. These methods were used in a survey of Cryptosporidium occurrence at 10 wastewater plants in the U.S. over a 15-month period. To determine if oocysts found in wastewater samples represented a public health risk, cell culture methods were employed to examine infectivity of recovered oocysts.

The primary objective of this project was to identify and communicate the benefits and risks of disinfecting wet weather flows by evaluating available disinfection technologies and identifying disinfection by-products and their potential risks to aquatic and human life. A decision-making framework was developed that could be used as a model to guide combined sewer overflow (CSO), sanitary sewer overflow (SSO) and stormwater (SW) disinfection control policies. This project was implemented as a case study in collaboration with the Onondaga County Department of Water Environment Protection (Syracuse, NY). A literature review was completed that identified appropriate disinfection technologies and the associated disinfection by-products. A disinfection demonstration was conducted to verify findings of the literature review and fill data gaps. The data collected during this project were used by local stakeholders to select the most appropriate technologies. Information regarding the benefits and risks of disinfecting wet weather flows was also presented to the public during a public workshop.

Irrigation is the dominant consumer of fresh water world-wide, accounting for as much as 80% of use in many water-short countries. Two issues dominate the problems in water resources management generally, and especially the management of irrigation systems: scarcity of water to meet competing demands, and scarcity of funds to finance operation, maintenance and renewal of existing facilities. Various international conferences, donor policies and academic papers have pointed to the contribution that appropriate irrigation service charging systems can make to both problems. This book is unique in that it connects policy objectives in water pricing with the practicalities of a setting up an irrigation water charging systems. It discusses the different types of water charging systems as well as the basis for quantifying and calculating the charges in the real world. Based on practical experiences in a range of countries , it also looks at possibilities for cost rationalizations and developing a broad range of revenue streams. The book concludes with a systematic explanation on how to design an irrigation water charging system - looking at assessment, billing and improving collection performance.

Basic Principles of Wastewater Treatment is the second volume in the series Biological Wastewater Treatment, and focusses on the unit operations and processes associated with biological wastewater treatment. The major topics covered are: microbiology and ecology of wastewater treatmentreaction kinetics and reactor hydraulicsconversion of organic and inorganic mattersedimentation aerationThe theory presented in this volume forms the basis upon which the other books of the series are built. About the series: The seriesis based on ahighly acclaimedsetof best selling textbooks. This international version is comprised by six textbooks giving a state-of-the-art presentation of the science and technology of biological wastewater treatment. Other titles in theseries are: Volume 1: Wastewater Characteristics, Treatment and Disposal; Volume 3: Waste Stabilisation Ponds; Volume 4: Anaerobic Reactors; Volume 5: Activated Sludge and Aerobic Biofilm Reactors; Volume 6: Sludge Treatment and Disposal