Wiley Handbook of Science and Technology for Homeland Security, 4 Volume Set

DESIGNING AN OPTIMUM WATER MONITORING SYSTEM

WALTER M. GRAYMAN

W.M. Grayman Consulting Engineer, Cincinnati, Ohio

1 INTRODUCTION

Monitoring can serve as a window for observing the quality of water in a water-supply system at a location and at an instant in time. Water quality monitoring can serve several purposes including the following:

1. detect contaminants introduced intentionally or accidentally into the water supply;
2. assist in routine water quality operations of the water system;
3. fulfill regulatory requirements.

The monitoring system should be designed and operated to meet the specific designated objectives. Monitoring can be characterized by the frequency of sampling and the handling methods. With automated sampling/monitoring procedures, the water quality sample is collected and analyzed without human intervention. Continuous on-line monitors collect and analyze samples at a specified interval. Grab sampling involves the manual collection of a sample and analysis of the sample in the field or in the laboratory. Both automated and manual sampling procedures serve a role in most well-designed monitoring programs.

2 ROLE OF MONITORING IN WATER SECURITY

Within the context of water security, monitoring is typically performed in order to detect the presence of a contaminant within the water. When combined with a mechanism for communicating and using the information in a timely manner, the information can serve as an early warning that allows the water utility to modify operation ...