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Breakeven costs for distributed advanced technology water-treatment systems
John W Norton1, Walter J Weber
1Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-2099, USA. jwnorton@umich.edu
Water Research
|September 26, 2006
Summary
Investigating distributed water treatment, this study found breakeven costs for advanced units managing disinfection by-product (DBP) formation. Small changes in treatment levels can cause significant shifts in optimal technology choices for water quality management.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Water Treatment Technologies
- Water Quality Management
Background:
- Water supply networks face quality degradation challenges.
- Disinfection by-products (DBPs) are a key water quality concern.
- Centralized treatment may not always be optimal for managing DBP formation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the breakeven costs of distributed advanced treatment units in water supply networks.
- To assess the economic feasibility of distributed treatment versus centralized upgrades for managing DBP formation.
- To identify factors influencing the optimal selection of water treatment technologies.
Main Methods:
- A DBP formation model was used to predict water quality degradation.
- Costs of upgrading centralized facilities were estimated and apportioned.
- Breakeven costs for single-connection distributed treatment units were calculated.
- Sensitivity analysis was performed on network parameters.
Main Results:
- Breakeven costs for distributed treatment units were determined for various service populations.
- Singularities, or sudden shifts in optimal technology selection, were identified.
- These shifts were linked to small variations in required water treatment levels.
Conclusions:
- Distributed advanced treatment units can be economically viable under certain conditions.
- Network parameters significantly impact the cost-effectiveness of treatment strategies.
- Water quality management requires careful consideration of treatment technology selection based on network specifics.
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