Reclaimed Wastewater Quality Criteria, Standards, and Guidelines

Two major issues of concerns for users of reclaimed wastewater are:

the quantity of this water: the concern regarding a reliable quantity of reclaimed wastewater deals with:

– How dependable the source is for operations. the volume of reclaimed wastewater must be assured otherwise the users will probably not participate.

– Whether they be domestic, commercial, or industrial.

the quality of this water: which depends on:

– Quality of the original water supply.– The sources of the wastewater (domestic,

industrial, or commercial) generally, point source.

– Infiltration into the collection system.– Treatment processes to which reclaimed

water has been subject.

The major concerns regarding the quality of reclaimed wastewater include its physical, chemical, biological, and radiological characteristics. These concerns necessitate the formulation of criteria, standards, and guidelines that are appropriate for the users or the consumers of this water.

Criteria

It is the first step in developing water quality standards.Water quality criteria tell us what science thus far has been able to measure of the obvious as well as insidious effects of contaminants on man and his environment.Criteria documents take into account all man's previous experience in evaluating an environmental hazard and provide information in making judgments to develop water quality standards.

Criteria

Criteria do not have a legal nor do they imply an ideal condition and the only reflect the latest scientific knowledge useful in indicating the kind and extent of all identifiable effects on health and welfare which may be expected from the presence of specific pollutants in the water

Standards

After the preliminary studies and activities are completed and the development of criteria documents has been carried out, then water quality standards can be promulgated.

Standards

Water quality standards may be defined as the limits on the amount of physical, chemical, or microbiological impurities allowed in water that is intended for a particular use.

StandardsWater quality standards do have a legal basis and spell out specific numbers that can be used by an established authority for administrative action and enforcement. So, they are legally enforceable by government agencies, and include rules and regulations for sampling, testing and reporting procedures.

StandardsWater quality standards are necessary and

important for various reasons and include:1. Protecting public health and welfare.2. Determining the type and degree of treatment

required for the removal of the various contaminants.

3. Establishing goals for the design of water treatment systems.

4. Helping to define and determine if a water quality problem exists.

5. Encouraging the measurements and evaluation of the contaminants that may be present in water supply.

6. Preserving fairness in the application of the law.

7. Providing a basis for decision making.

Standards

In the U.S. the EPA uses two methods to develop regulatory standards for various pollutants or contaminants. Either by establishing a maximum contaminant level (MCL) or, if this is not economically or technologically feasible, then treatment method will be specified for the removal of that contaminant from the water supply.

Standards

MCL is defined as the maximum permissible level of a contaminant in water at free-flowing outlet of the ultimate user of a public water system, except in the case of turbidity, where the maximum permissible level is measured at the point of entry to the distribution system.

StandardsThe development of water quality standards or MCLs involves an intensive technological evaluation that includes assessment of:

1. Occurrence in the environment2. Human exposure in specific and general

populations3. Adverse health effects4. Risks to the population5. Methods of detection6. Chemical transformations of the contaminant in

water7. Treatment technologies and costs.

StandardsIn order to implement, evaluate and follow up on the accepted standards proper surveillance procedures have to be implemented with the following components:

1. an efficient transportation system2. optimum required number of trained staff

and personnel3. continuous availability of laboratory

supplies and equipments4. proper supervision

Guidelines

It's difficult and probably almost impossible on a global or international basis to develop water quality standards for a large, diverse region or country by establishing just only one water quality standards.

Guidelines

Therefore, the adoption of guidelines rather than standards is a more realistic approach. Issuing guidelines is done without the usual public notice or comment, however, such guidelines are not law and therefore not directly enforceable.

GuidelinesThe development of guidelines need not only to follow the procedures outlined in standards, but also should address the following concerns:

1. the differing climates within the area or region

2. the cultural and social habits within the various regions or states of the country

3. the type of diet and eating patterns of the population

4. socioeconomic status of the citizens

Guidelines5. opinions, beliefs, and local habits and customs6. availability, reliability and accessibility of the

needed amount of water7. existence of efficient and suitably run water and

wastewater treatment plants8. methods used for disposal of human, animal,

and municipal waste9. industries established within the country and

their national impacts10. industrial expansion and potential growth11.regulations governing disposal and discharge

of industrial and agricultural wastewater12.annexation and extension of services and

amenities.