VOORHEES, NJ, Oct. 18, 2011 -- American Water Works Company has received a grant from the Water Research Foundation to conduct research on a cost-effective treatment technique for lowering total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) in water distribution system storage tanks. The project is titled, "Localized Control of Disinfection Byproducts by Spray Aeration in Storage Tanks."
TTHMs result from the addition of chlorine to drinking water and are regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to not exceed 80 parts per billion. American Water will develop engineering guidance for the design, permitting, operation, and maintenance of in-tank spray aeration systems for localized control of TTHMs. This treatment method will help water utilities meet the more stringent TTHM levels required under the upcoming EPA Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule.
The total value of the project is $300,000 with $150,000 funded by the Water Research Foundation. American Water will directly receive $150,000 to pay for labor, research, and analytical costs.
"Our team brings together the perfect combination of innovation, expertise and experience to successfully develop a viable solution to reducing total trihalomethanes levels," said Dr. Mark LeChevallier, Director of Innovation and Environmental Stewardship. "With the upcoming Stage 2 rule, this research is extremely important for water utilities, which will help improve drinking water quality and provide additional public health protection."
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