Using nitrification potential curves to evaluate full-scale drinking water distribution systems

Although many nitrification control options exist, nitrification continues to challenge water utility operators. The industry lacks a useful tool to help water utilities select the most appropriate nitrification control strategy for their systems. The nitrification potential curve approach described in this article helps utilities assess their current operations and make informed decisions about the most appropriate strategies to prevent future nitrification. In this research, nitrification potential curves were developed for three, full-scale chloraminated distribution systems. The curves were then used to evaluate the nitrification control strategies being used for each system and show how operational changes such as reducing water age or increasing pH could affect nitrification potential. Nitrification potential curves help to optimize the operation of chloraminated distribution systems. If more effort is put into preventing nitrification, less effort will be required to implement more expensive reactionary strategies such as breakpoint chlorination or unplanned flushing.-MPM