water treatment-for-domestic-water-supply - report
TRANSCRIPT
SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & DESIGN BACHELOR OF QUANTITY SURVEYING (HONOURS)
BUILDING SERVICES 1 (BLD 60403)
WATER TREATMENT FOR DOMESTIC WATER SUPPLIES
NAME STUDENT ID
PHON KIT POI 0328435
LIEU XUE QI 0327523
SEW YUE LING 0327032
HONG LI VIAN 0327007
LEE LIN HUI 0322797
FONG KAH YAN 0322815
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CONTENT PAGE
Introduction 3-4
Management System 5-11
Installation Process 12-28
The Advantages and Disadvantages 29-30
Possible Problems to the System 31-33
Case Study 34-37
Recommendations for the Future Improvement 38-41
Learning from the Group Work Project 42-43
References 44-45
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INTRODUCTION Water Treatment for Domestic Water Supplies is the topic that we had chosen for our Building
Services 1 assignment. This topic is talking about the process of contaminated water that had to
treated into a drinkable and useable water. All living things need water to survive. Once the
surface water and groundwater are contaminated, we have to provide water treatment to ensure
the water is clean and safe for drinking purpose. Poor quality of water can cause health problem
to the living organisms. Water can consider as one of the main resource in the Earth. At the
same time, water is reuse over and over again and this process is name as water cycle.
The water cycle explain the movement of water in the Earth through the surface of the earth or
rises into the atmosphere. While the sun rise up, the temperature of the earth will increase. So
the water will evaporate .While the water cool down, it will form clouds. When the cloud get
heavier, it will drop on the ground as rain or snow. Snow will be melt while the temperature get
warmer and the liquid will flow into lakes and rivers.
Due to the water cycle process, we know that the amount of water is always remain the same.
From a research tell us that about 97% is sea water and only 3% is the freshwater in lakes and
rivers. Unfortunately, the 3% of water may contaminated by pollution or human activities.
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Therefore, we have to go through a process called water treatment. This process will makes
water become more acceptable to utilize. In this treatments process, the impurities or solid
compound will be remove from the water. The aim of water treatment is to render the water safe
and clean and to ensure the treated water quality meets the drinking water requirement and
reduce the percentage of these impurities to a level which will not harm us. Untreated water will
cause infectious diseases, which may cause epidemics and can be fatal. The types of treatment
required depends on the characteristics of the untreated water. For the raw water can purified
by some steps as shown below:
In addition, they have several steps to go through such as screening, aeration, coagulation and
flocculation, sedimentation, filtration and disinfection. The water sources can divided into two
categories, surface sources and underground sources. Surface sources are lakes, rivers and
reservoirs. Underground sources are shallow and deep well.
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WATER TREATMENT PROCESSThe major process of water treatment includes intake, screening, aeration, coagulation,
flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, disinfection and distribution.
Intake
Clean and safe water is essential to our daily life. Water is essential for healthiness, cleanliness
and the productivity of our community. However, how do we get the water? Raw water is
obtained from the river, lake or reservoir through pumps. At this stage, those big and large
objects such as wood, leaves, algae, fish and other objectionable suspended matter are
prevented from entering the intake with the water. Intake can be classified into three categories.
The following table shows the details.
Category 1
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Submerged intake It is constructed entirely under water and also commonly used
to obtain water from lakes.
Exposed intake It is in the form of oil or tower constructed near the river bank
and are more common due to the ease of operation.
Category 2
Wet intake The water level in the tower is same as the level of the water
supply sources.
Dry intake Water enter the port directly into the conveying pipes in case
there is no water in the water tower.
Category 3
River intake It may located inside the river or near the river bank where it
reaches the required depth of water to prevent where there is
shortage of water.
Reservoir intake It is similar to river intake, a dam is constructed across it to store
water in the reservoir when the flow of river is not guaranteed
throughout the year.
Lake intake It is constructed in the bed of the lake as to draw water during
dry season.
Canal intake It is located in the bank of canal and it is used in small town as
an irrigation canal. In Malaysia, Sungai Perak obtained
untreated water supply. Untreated water is pumped from the
river and it will go through some stages of the treatment process
before being offered for domestic water and consumption.
Screening
Screening is the first treatment station. Screen is a device with openings that use to filter the
water by removing and blocking the larger particles that carried by the water. At this stage,
floating objects and other suspended material are removed from the water. There are three
types of screens: Coarse screen, Fine screen and Microstrainer. Coarse screen is to prevent
large objects from entering the conveyance system. Fine screen normally fits after the coarse
screens to remove smaller objects that may cause operation and maintenance to the system.
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Very fine suspended matter such as algae and plankton are removed from the fabric by high
pressure water jets through Microstrainer screen.
Aeration
A device called aerator is used in this process. This is the process that brings air and other
gases in contact with water in order to remove dissolved gases and metals such as carbon
dioxide, iron and manganese in an aeration tank. There are two methods of aeration. Water-fall
aerator is a method of aeration and it is most common used in industry. Gas transfer by causing
the water to break into drops of thin films. Air is diffused into a vessel containing counter-current
flowing water through air diffusion aerator.
Coagulation
Generally, coagulation is a procedure to form a “floc” by attracting small particles in water. The
main purpose of this stage is to increase the settling velocity for the functions of water filtration
and purification. Sometimes, coagulant-aid is used to enhance the procedure of the primary
coagulant.
In this process, a chemical such as liquid aluminium sulfate also called alum and/or polymer
which produces positive charges to counteract the negative charges on the particles is added to
untreated water during coagulation. Then and there the particles cling together and forming
bigger particles which are more easily removed.
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Flocculation
After rapid mixing, the particles are under a neutral charge and can be clung together. After that,
the water flows into the flocculation tank. The flow of water is slowed and brings the small
particles together to form heavier particles in the tank with paddles. Mixing is made quite slowly
and moderately during the flocculation step. If the mixing is too fast, the flocs will break apart
into small particles and will occur the problem that difficult to remove in sedimentation or
filtration. Under most situations, a flocculant is essential to begin the flocculation process. The
most common flocculants are calcium, aluminum, iron, and magnesium. When ‘flocs’ are fully
formed, they can be entirely removed through the process of filtration.
Sedimentation
Before the process of coagulation, sedimentation is used to reduce the concentration of
particles in suspension and also to decrease the sum of coagulating chemicals required. After
the process of flocculation, the water flows into sedimentation tanks where the water moves
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gently and the heavier and larger floc particles to settle to the bottom and are removed as well
as the clear water moves off the top of the filtration chamber. Floc which is collected from the
bottom of the tanks is called sludge and it is piped to drying lagoons. Small particles settle more
gently than larger particles. It would take a long period of time for all of the particles to settle out
and that would mean we would need a massive sedimentation tanks. Thus the clear water with
most of the particles removed moves off the top to the filtration chamber.
Filtration
After that, the water flows into the filtration apparatus made of layers of sand which does the
filtering, gravel which possess the sand from getting out and an underdrain where the crystal
clear water exits to remove particles in the water. After the filter is managed for a moment, the
sand becomes clogged with particles when water flows through the sand filter and must be
backwashed. Flow through the filter is reversed as well as the sand and particles are
suspended. The particles rise up and are flushed from the system because they are lighter than
sand. Crystal clear water that has been filtered will be received by the pipes underneath the
sand. When backwashing is completed, the sand settles down onto the gravel, flow is reversed
and the process begins again. Filtration gathers the suspended contaminations in water and
gets rid of any remaining microscopic particles and microorganisms as well as increases the
effectiveness of disinfection.
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Disinfection
Last but not least, the water with particles removed is disinfected in order to protect it against
bacteria so that no pathogens remain in the water. Clear water flows into the clear water tank
where enough chlorine is added so that some residues are allowed to go out in the water
distribution system which makes it safe to drink and to protect the public after the water departs
from the plant. Chlorine can kill germs and microorganisms and it is a very effective disinfectant
and the remaining concentrations can be retained to guard against possible biological
contamination in the water distribution system.
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Distribution
Finally, water is pumped from the clear water tank into reservoir or a closed tank where it flows
through pipes to homes. Pumping of the clean water produced at the process of water treatment
to the community is known as distribution. This can be done directly or by firstly pumping the
water to water storage tanks or reservoir. The water can flow down because of gravity to the
people if it is stored on a hill.
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WATER SUPPLY DISTRIBUTION
The purpose of water distribution system is to deliver water to consumer from the water
treatment plant to storage then to the house. There are two types of water treatment system in
house. They can improve the overall taste, smell and appearance of water, remove chemicals
and minerals.
Point-of-use systems: Installed on a single tap and treat for drinking and cooking water only.
Most common is reverse osmosis system.
Point-of-entry systems: Installed on the main water supply line, treat the whole house water.
Most common is water softener and water filter.
Point-of-use system and point-of-entry system can work together to meet the requirement of
water needed.
Advantages of these systems:
I. No chemicals are added into water.
II. The process is not affected by ammonia and pH.
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Water Pipes Distribution
Water pipes is a pipeline to deliver water to house.
The distribution pipes basically are laid below the road pavements, and there are four different
types of pipe network.
Grid-iron system
It is suitable for cities with rectangular layout.
Ring system
The water main supply is laid all along the peripheral roads and the sub mains branch out of the
mains. The water flow is similar to grid system but the character is same as the dead end
system.
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Radial system
The area is divided into different zones. The reservoir is at the middle of the zone and the water
is pumped from it. The sub main water pipes are distributed around the reservoir.
Dead end system
It is suitable for old towns and cities having no different pattern of roads.
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Method of Water Distribution
Depending on the level of the source, water is supplied by different type of pressurized
distribution system.
Gravity system
It is suitable to use when the source is at sufficient height. It is the most economical distribution
system.
Pumping system
It also called pumping without storage system, high lift pumps are required.
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Combined gravity and pumping system
Most common system, treated water is pumped and stored in an elevated reservoir and supply
by action of gravity.
Distribution Reservoir
It is used to store the treated water for emergency used. There are two types of reservoirs.
Surface reservoirs: It is also called ground reservoir. It is in rectangular or circular shape. It is
commonly used in large areas of city. It is constructed at high natural ground.
Elevated reservoirs: it is used when the area of the city is not suitable for under gravity. It is
economical than surface reservoir because of reduce pumping requirements. It is in rectangular,
circular and elliptical shape.
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Material Used for Piping
Ductile cast iron pipe
Gray cast iron pipe
Asbestos pipe
Steel pipe
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe
Concrete pipe
Material Advantages Disadvantages
Ductile cast iron pipe Long life span Resist bending and
twisting without breaking
Heavy Easily to corrode
Gray cast iron pipe High level of stability Resistant to corrosion
Low tensile strength Brittle
Asbestos pipe High tensile strength Light weight Easy to handle
Difficult to locate when buried
Low flexural strength
Steel pipe High tensile strength Lighter than ductile iron or
concrete pipe
Subjective to corrosion Require maintenance
PVC pipe Inexpensive Corrosion free Wide range of sizes
Strength affected by sunlight
Require special bedding
Concrete pipe
Easy to installed Low maintenance Less expensive than
others pipe
Heavy May deteriorate in
corrosive soils
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Connecting Pipes in House
Communication pipe
Pipe from water main or other source of portable water supply to the water distribution system.
Distribution pipe
A pipe which convey water from the water service pipe or meter to the point of utilization.
Riser
Water supply pipe that convey water to branches or to a group of fixtures.
Fixture branch
Water supply pipe between the fixture supply pipe and the water distributing pipe.
Fixture supply pipe
Water supply pipe connecting the fixture with the fixture branch.
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Water Supply to Residential Building
Indirect system
Direct system
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Water Filtration System
Water filtration system work to remove the chemicals and impurities in water. It is to provide
clean and clear water for drinking, shower and washing.
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Installation of water filter:
Step 1: Turn off water supply
Turn off the water supply, then turn on a faucet to release pressure and drain he water from the
system at the lower point in the house.
Step 2: Choose a location for filter
You need to choose a suitable location for the installation of water filter. Choose a place that is
near the shutoff value.
Step 3: Cut the pipe
Use a pen to mark down the location that had selected to install the water filter on the pipe. Use
a pipe cutter to make two cuts on the selected section and remove it. Place a bucket
underneath to catch the remaining water. Clean the just-cut pipe with emery cloth so that we
won’t be cutting off.
Step 4: Attach the fittings
Place a compression nut, small end first, on one of the cut pipe ends. Wrap Teflon tape around
the thread of the outlet fitting then tighten it. Screw an adapter in to the inlet of the filter. Wrap
Teflon tape around the threaded fitting on the other side. Then tighten it with a piers and pipe
wrench.
Step 5: Mount filter bracket
Pick a location to install the filter mounting bracket. Mark, measure and cut it to the require
length. Use a lag bolts supplied with the mounting board.
Step 6: Position the filter
Ensure that all the filter fittings is connected and tighten. Fasten it to the mounting bracket by
using lag bolts. Do not over tighten. The mounting bracket can be adjusted as needed. The
filter need to be install in a proper way, if not it won’t function. The “in” port should be connected
to the end closer to the water meter, the “out” port should be point toward to water heater.
Step 7: Turn on water supply
Turn the water supply on once the filter had positioned. Open both valves. Check the filter for
leaks. If you detect leaks at the filter housing, tighten it until dripping stops.
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The most common type of water filter system include
Ion exchange
Activated carbon
Reverse osmosis
Ultra-violet sterilization
Ion Exchange
Ion exchange also called water softening, obviously it is use to soften the water. A common
problem that exist in our water supplies is hard water that contain magnesium and calcium ion.
This systems is to soften the hard water by replacing the magnesium and calcium ions to
sodium ions.
Process:
Hard water enter the water softener. Magnesium and calcium ions are attracted to the tiny
beads. Sodium ions on the exchange resin replace the magnesium and calcium ions. Once the
beads are saturated with magnesium and calcium ions, it will enter a 3 phase cycle.
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First is the backwash cycle, it is to remove dirt from the water.
In the recharge phase, the concentrated sodium rich salt solution is carried from the brine tank
to the softener tank. The sodium ions collect at the beads replace the calcium and magnesium
ions.
The final phase is rinse cycle, the softener tank is rinse with fresh water and the brine tank is
refilled. And is ready for the next cycle.
Installation of water softener:
Step 1: Turn off the water supply, turn on all the faucet in house to drain the water lines.
Step 2: Mark down the water pipe where you want to install the pipe of water softener
Step 3: Cut the water pipe by using a pipe cutter
Step 4: Clean the pipe ends with emery cloth
Step 5: Position the water softener
Step 6: Make the pipe connection from main water pipe to the pipe of water softener
Step 7: Welded the pipe together
Step 8: Attach a discharge pipe to water softener near the drain and run it to the drain
Step 9: Fill the tank with salt
Step 10: Turn on the water supply and check for the leaks
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Activated Carbon
Activated carbon filters absorb impurities from water through the carbon cartridge. This process
is called adsorption. Basically it is used to reduce unwanted taste, odour and chemicals in the
water. Activated carbon also can reduce radon gas and residual chlorine. Carbon filters will not
remove or reduce major chemicals.
There are four types of activated carbon filters:
Faucet-mounted: Attach to the faucet where drinking water comes out
In-line: Installed beneath the kitchen sink
Line bypass: Attach to the cold water pipe, install a separate faucet at the sink in kitchen for
cooking and drinking
Point of entry: Treat all the water in the house
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Reverse Osmosis
Reverse osmosis is a process that reduces suspended and dissolved matter such as salts,
bacteria and organic compounds from water. It is a process that the water flow from high
concentration of solute to low concentration of solute. Mechanical filters and activated carbon
filters are always used with reverse osmosis unit.
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Process:
Reverse osmosis is the reverse process of osmosis. It used a membrane under high pressure to
obtain clean water. The microscopic holes allow water to flow through. If enough of pressure is
exerted on the concentrated side, the flow of water will be reversed. As the concentrated
solution enters the reverse osmosis membrane, the salts and contaminants are not allow to
pass through and is discharge to the reject stream. The water that pass through the membrane
is called permeate water.
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Ultra-violet system
This is a system using ultraviolet light to kill the microorganisms in the water. This is a non-
chemical method to destroy the microorganisms in water so it is safe for drinking and cooking.
There are three different wavelength of ultraviolet system
Long-wavelength ultraviolet: Wavelength range 3250 to 3900 Angstrom, occur naturally in
sunlight.
Middle-wave ultraviolet: Wavelength range 2950 to 3250 Angstrom, occur naturally in sunlight.
Short-wave ultraviolet: Wavelength range 2000 to 2950 Angstrom, does not occur naturally in
Earth’s surface.
Process:
A special lamp is used to emit the UV light into the water. UV light has the ability to disrupt the
DNA/RNA of microorganisms. The frequency used to kill the microorganisms is 254 nm. When
the water pass through the UV system, the microorganisms in water are attack by the UV light
and the genetic code are rearrange and the microorganisms had malfunction. It cannot replicate
and reproduce, therefore the amount of microorganism will reduce and remove.
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Advantages of UV system
I. Cost effective
II. Clean
III. Environmentally friendly
IV. Chemical free
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Nowadays, most of the households especially those living in the urban area relies on water
treatment process to receive clean water which is important for their daily activities. Water
treatment is a process that water passes through several stages before the clean water can be
supplied to the domestic water tap. It is undeniable that water treatment process for domestic
supply really brings a lot of benefits to the society but it also has its bad side.
ADVANTAGESi) Clean and mineral-rich water
Water treatment process can provide us clean and mineral-rich water. The process helps to
remove harmful microorganisms like copper and magnesium which can cause diarrhea,
vomiting and even death, so that the water sources safe for us to drink. However, it keeps the
natural elements in the water such as minerals which are vital for our body health.
ii) Convenient
Everyone can easily get clean water once they turn on the fixture water supply pipe that had
been installed in their houses as the water supply company delivers water to housing area with
the main public service pipe. They don’t need to get water from the well, river or lake.
iii) Control of water quality
Water of good quality is guaranteed as the water goes through a series of water treatment
processes. Large pieces of contaminants in the untreated water from reservoir are screened
before they are diverted into treatment plant while smaller contaminants are removed at the
other stages. Chlorine is also added to kill bacteria and microorganisms. Therefore,
contaminants like suspended solids, chemical substances, fine particles and other impurities
which give adverse effects to our health can be removed. The final product is safe for us to
carry out our daily activities.
iv) Less risk of being without supply
Water is pumped to a huge storage tank which is normally elevated after all the treatment
processes. The purpose of storing water in a tank is to ensure that the water supply is enough
to accommodate the demand present high population. Storing water in elevated tank also has
the benefit of creating high flow rate in the water distribution system.
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DISADVANTAGESi) High expenses
To completely make the water clean, there are five processes which are coagulation,
flocculation, sedimentation, filtration and disinfection that the water has to go through. Many of
the water treatment plants for those processes can be very expensive to purchase as well as
the installation fees. Skilled labours are needed for frequent monitoring also. Coagulation is a
process that alum and other chemicals are added, these coagulant can effectively remove dirt
particles and viruses by forming tiny sticky particles called floc. Chlorine and fluoride are also
added in the filtration process. All the chemicals are another reason that causes the expenses
to increase.
ii) Regular cleaning and maintenance needed
Problem like blockage always happen due to the sedimentation of silt, sand and other dirt
particles in the untreated water to the bottom of the water treatment plants. Other than that,
moss or lichen is likely to grow on the wall of those water treatment plants when they are
exposed to the sunlight. Thus, frequent cleaning and maintenance is a must.
iii) Risk of water pollution
If there is any dangerous chemical from the nearby factory accidentally enter into the river, the
water in the following water treatment plants will be affected as well. Thus, many residential
areas will experience water disruption as the water in the tank is polluted and cannot be used. It
needs to take a long time for the workers to remove the chemical and clean the water again.
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POSSIBLE PROBLEMS TO THE SYSTEM Three general categories, physical, biological and chemical can describe water quality. The
effects on water quality in each category are described below.
1. Physical
Problem: Taste and Odor
Taste and odour can affect the quality of water by tainting certain foods and vegetables and by
reducing the palatability of foods cooked in water. The main sources of odour- and taste-bearing
substances are harmless organic materials like iron bacteria, and certain inorganic chemical
constituents such as hydrogen sulphide.
Hydrogen sulphide is the primary cause for the "rotten egg" taste and odour in water. Hydrogen
sulphide is derived from the decomposition of organic matter or sewage.
Besides, acidic (low pH) water can leach copper out of pipes causing a metallic taste. An odour
problem may occur with the presence of iron bacteria, which may cause a musty or swampy
smell in the water.
These problems can be solved by eliminating the substances that cause the problem.
Treatment techniques such as activated carbon filtration and/or oxidation using chlorination,
potassium permanganate, ozonation or ventilation.
Problem: Turbidity and Colour
Turbidity is a visual haziness in water caused by the presence of insoluble suspended particles.
Discoloured water may contain substances such as organic compounds derived from the decay
of plant and animal matter. Other than that, discoloured water may contain certain metallic ions,
such as iron and manganese, causes the water looks yellowish, brown or red after contact with
air or heat.
Treatments for turbidity and colour usually involve settling or filtration.
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2. Biological
Problem: Pathogenic Organisms
Pathogenic (disease-causing) organisms occurring in water range from ultra-small viruses to
microscopic bacteria to relatively large protozoa. Bacteriologic and protozoan pathogens can
cause typhoid, dysentery, cholera, and some types of gastroenteritis. Viruses can cause human
maladies including polio, infectious hepatitis, and some forms of gastroenteritis.
A chemical disinfectant should be effective on many types of pathogens regardless of their
quantity and it should be able to kill all pathogens within a reasonable contact time. The
chemical should also be safe and easy to handle and it should not make the water toxic or
unpalatable.
In addition, the concentration of disinfectant in the water should be easy to monitor and the
disinfection should provide residual protection against possible recontamination.
3. Chemical
Problem: Hardness
Hardness, which is very common in water supplies, is caused by calcium and magnesium in
water. Hardness at a moderate level (3 to 7 grains per gallon [gpg] or 50 to 120 milligrams per
liter [mg/L]) may be beneficial because water becomes acidic at low hardness levels, which may
cause plumbing corrosion or leaching of lead from soldered plumbing joints into the drinking
water.
Hard water is disadvantageous because soap does not clean efficiently and may leave an
insoluble curd on bathtubs, sinks, clothing, and skin. Hard water also deposits a scale inside
pipes, boilers, and hot water tanks, reducing their capacity and heat-transfer properties.
The condition is commonly treated with water softeners.
Problem: Iron
Iron compounds, common in rocks and soil, are easily dissolved in water, particularly acidic
water. The earth's crust is a major source of iron; hence, iron mainly exists in many ground
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water supplies. Water that contains iron can cause corroding metal in pipes, pumps, and other
water-related fixtures. It may also leave iron stains on sinks, tubs, showers and other water
using appliances that makes water smell bad.
A water-test can determine how much iron is present in the water pipes and types of iron it is.
Problem: Radon
Radon is a colourless, odourless and tasteless radioactive gas. It is formed during the decay of
naturally occurring minerals containing radioactive elements such as uranium. Radon gas may
enter a home through two primary pathways: cracks in the foundation and release from the
water supply used inside the home.
Radon in water is commonly treated through ventilation.
Problem: Industrial Chemicals
This is a general term for a broad range of hazardous or regulated substances and waste
products that are not naturally occurring. They may end up in the ground water supply if they
are improperly handled.
A few examples of these types of materials include organic compounds (e.g., benzene, MTBE),
heavy metals (e.g., cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury, etc.), pesticides and herbicides,
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), petroleum hydrocarbon fuels, and polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons (PAHs).
Treatment methods may include activated carbon filtration, ion-exchange, neutralization and
others.
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CASE STUDY
SYARIKAT BEKALAN AIR SELANGOR SDN. BHD.
History of SYABAS
Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (SYABAS) is a water supply company that supply water
to Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya. Currently Tan Sri Rozali Ismail is the CEO of
SYABAS. This company is a backup of Puncak Niaga Holdings Berhad (PNHB) was
consolidated on eighth of July 1996 under the Malaysian Companies Act, 1965 to embrace the
privatization of water supply benefits in the State of Selangor and the Federal Territories of
Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya. SYABAS' key business is to give quality administrations to the
purchasers. In this manner, it endeavours to address the issues and requests of its customers
all together to guarantee that the administrations gave are of most elevated standard.
The administrations incorporate providing continuous clean water to shoppers and separated
from that, SYABAS performs periodical and standard support of foundation and water-related
resources, for example, supplanting maturing funnels and water meters. SYABAS likewise does
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its part in CSR exercises through different projects to make customer mindfulness on water-
related issues to guarantee the standard personal satisfaction is supported.
Management of SYABAS
SYABAS has invested millions in its Information Communication Technology (ICT) so that the
services that provided by them can meet the present requirement and quality that meets the
international acceptance standards. They ensure their critical departments and personnel are
equipped with advanced technology to meet and if possible exceed, the increasing complex
demand of its consumers in terms of turnaround reaction time as well as providing solution to
resolve every single incoming problems.
Computer Data Centre Redundancy Infrastructure that is equipped with fault-tolerance high
availability system is another system that is developed and deployed by SYABAS. Their
frameworks and PC servers are upheld by the Data Centre’s fiber optics so that their systems
are always up and running 24 hours without failed, which in turn enable the Data Centre to
resolve future computer catastrophe involving loss of information and operation down-time.
SYABAS also has VPN Network Infrastructure that runs on 1.5 mega-bits per second bandwidth
speed that can connect all district offices with the HQ for a better work correspondence and
synchronization.
SWIMS which stands for SYABAS Water Management Information System is a computerised
framework that is deployed by SYABAS, the purpose of SWIMS is to support Company’s
business strategies and to centralise the computer system with integrated architectural design.
SWIMS has three major management systems which are integrated that comprised other
components apart from GIS mapping system. They are SCADA/Telemetry; Network modelling,
Water Quality, Non-Revenue Water (NRW) and Operation and Maintenance systems which are
under Engineering systems. Commercial systems that comprise Billing and Collection system,
Customer Service and Development Plan approval systems while Support systems comprise
Procurement, Accounting, Store Inventory, Human Resource & Administration and Enforcement
& Legal systems.
After SYABAS took over the water treatment system, they collected maps and asset information
from Districts and various Departments which were not centralized. Most of them are paper-
intensive documents, centralized mapping in a digital and database format was non-existent.
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SYABAS first started to carry out a GIS-based (Geographical Information System) mapping and
water distribution asset registration system. GIS-based system is used to facilitate asset
inventories and asset management and assist in the planning and expansion of the water
supply system to meet rapid development in the state. It also helps to improve the efficiency and
effectiveness of the operational control and management of the complex water distribution with
centralized information on the water distribution system.
The SWIMS framework focuses on five major SYABAS Value Chain management process.
The 5 management processes are:
1. Supporting process: that comprises Finance, Administration, Legal, and Human
Resource, procurement, technology and R&D Management
2. Process Management: that comprises Program and Project & Contract Management.
3. Core Business Process: that comprises Supply, Operations & Maintenance, Billing &
Collections, Development Plan Approval and Customer Service
4. Quality Management: that comprises Training and Client Charter Compliance
Management
5. Product Information: that comprises Distribution Infrastructure Assets.
Water Quality of SYABAS
1. Quality Assurance Programme by Ministry of Health (MOH)
When SYABAS took over in 2005, water quality becomes more clean and safe to drink. The
water supplied by SYABAS is comply by the “National Standard For Drinking Water Quality”
(NSDWQ) issued by the Ministry of Health (MOH). Water quality of SYABAS is monitored by
MOH and is testing under its Quality Assurance Programme (QAP).
To ensure water quality, MOH collect an average 1000 water supplies throughout Kuala
Lumpur, Selangor and Putrajaya. From year 2010 to year 2014, the water quality of SYABAS is
recorded by MOH. The water quality is 100% complied with the Mandatory Level of Service
(MLS).
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2. In-House Water Quality Assessment
From June 2006, SYABAS has started the in-house Water Quality Testing Programme. The
personnel from Districts’ Water Quality Units had collected some samples and sent to third party
for microbiological and chemical analysis.
From year 2010 to year 2014, the water quality is 100% complied with the Mandatory Level of
Service (MLS).
Responsibility of SYABAS
I. Supply treated, quality and clean water to consumers
II. Provide periodical and regular maintenance of replacing aging pipes and water meters.
III. Promotes consumer awareness on water-related issues
IV. Provide convenient payment method to consumer
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RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE WATER TREATMENT PROCESS IMPROVEMENT
Healthy Natural Systems
A. Healthy natural systems are essential for human and environmental well-being and
economic prosperity. Diligently inform citizens about potential health effects of water
resource problems. The state should monitor and report accurate information on water
quality issues affecting public health, making such information promptly available via
print and electronic media and at places where the public regularly uses the waters of
the state or seeks information about those waters. Local emergency responders must
also receive timely information about water quality threats.
B. Adopt and implement a final in stream flow policy that protects natural seasonal flow
patterns. The state should adopt a final in stream flow policy that restores, maintains,
and preserves natural seasonal flow patterns for streams and rivers. The finalized flow
policy should minimize the biological disruption caused by barriers to flow for all waters
— for water quality, ecology, and economic benefits, including recreation. The final
policy should be science-based, protective of in stream needs, and should account for
seasonal flow variations. Until a final policy is developed, site-specific in stream flow
studies should be required of all new projects including reservoirs that have the potential
to significantly alter natural stream flow. The results of these studies should be used to
establish flow requirements downstream of such projects.
C. The low flows in the river’s system in west central and southwest Malaysia illustrate the
result of the current lack of protections for minimum flows in many rivers throughout
Malaysia. Though recent droughts have garnered headlines for their intensity and
economic effects, current water withdrawal levels are forcing many waterways into a
permanent drought state, even when rainfalls are at normal levels. In addition to that,
other rivers throughout Malaysia exhibit a downward trend in flow level. While climate
change (as evidenced by shifts in rainfall patterns) may explain some of this result, over
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permitting of water withdrawals from these economically valuable and diverse river and
creek systems, and systematic lack of returns, is the major cause.
D. Protect Malaysia’s remaining free-flowing streams and river segments from dams.
Malaysia’s remaining free-flowing streams and stream segments are vital for people and
wildlife of Malaysia. Therefore, the state should consider the construction of reservoirs
and dams only as a last resort for water supply. When evaluating whether to construct
new reservoirs and dams, the state should first consider water conservation and
efficiency, as well as optimizing operations of existing impoundments and expansion of
existing reservoirs in order to minimize further impacts to rivers and streams. Malaysia
should prohibit the construction of water supply reservoirs for private uses such as
amenity lakes for residential developments. EPD should promptly initiate rulemaking on
reservoir permitting that was outlined in the 2008 Comprehensive State-wide Water
Management Plan. Furthermore, a comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement
should be prepared for every new reservoir project in Malaysia.
E. Minimize the adverse impacts of power plants on Malaysia’s waters. Coal-fired and
nuclear power plants withdraw and consume significant amounts of water from our
waterways and are the largest water-use sector in the state. Water that is not lost
through evaporation is heated and discharged back into streams, resulting in warmer,
oxygen-depleted water that harms ecosystems. Power plants emit mercury, sulfur
dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and other toxins, which are deposited in our streams and
consumed by the fish and shellfish which many people eat. Residue coal ash ponds leak
harmful toxins into our waterways and pose significant risk. The state should enact and
enforce protective coal ash disposal regulations. Additionally, new energy supply options
or technologies that are less water intensive should be researched and developed
before new water intensive power plants are permitted. Old, inefficient, dirty power
plants in Malaysia should be retired, and water budgets should be established and made
public for all thermoelectric plants.
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F. Protect and restore groundwater resources and aquifer recharge areas. The state must
protect and restore groundwater resources, including significant recharge areas,
concentrated recharge areas, and aquifers, by increasing legal and regulatory
protections and enforcing existing laws and regulations. The state should broaden
restrictions on land activities above aquifer recharge areas. We cannot allow
contaminants to enter aquifers through these areas. The state should expand its
monitoring and assessment of groundwater resources throughout the state, and should
specifically focus on increasing our understanding of the relationship between
groundwater and surface water. The state should also increase protections for private
wells.
G. Preserve and restore vegetated buffers adjacent to all of Malaysia’s state waters,
including small streams, freshwater wetlands, coastal marshlands, floodplains, and
reservoirs. Natural buffers protect water quality, filter stormwater, provide flood control,
prevent erosion, preserve native flora and fauna, and serve as wildlife habitat.
Implementation of vegetated buffers on wetlands should be strengthened to reflect the
value of all of these functions and to reflect scientific understanding of what is needed to
protect water quality. The state must enforce stream buffer regulations uniformly and
minimize the granting of variances. The state must provide sufficient funding for
meaningful enforcement, and create and apply effective penalties that include buffer
repair and restoration when violations are committed. The state also should provide
financial incentives for the creation and retention of green infrastructure, including
riparian buffers, wetlands, floodplains, living shorelines, and other pervious green space,
which are costeffective means of enhancing both water quality and quantity and
preventing floods.
H. Ensure protection of freshwater wetlands and restore degraded wetlands. Malaysia’s
freshwater wetlands recharge aquifers, improve water quality, filter pollutants, provide
flood control, and serve as habitat for wildlife. Protections for, and restoration of,
freshwater wetlands, including the use of buffers, should reflect the value of all of these
functions. Additionally, federal Section must adequately provide for wetland mitigation
requirements, and these requirements need to be enforced.
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I. Develop and implement a comprehensive plan for headwaters protection. All of
Malaysia’s fourteen river basins have their headwaters in Malaysia. Safeguarding these
headwaters, including springheads and stream buffers, is vital to the protection of water
quality, water quantity, and the health of our aquatic resources. Protecting water quality
upstream can save money downstream. Focus should also be on minimizing
segmentation of protected stream reaches.
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LEARNING FROM GROUP WORK PROJECTIn this assignment, our group consists of 6 members, with 6 brains put together, there were
plenty of ideas and opinions that come out with. Group leader is Phon Kit Poi, and the group
members are Sew Yue Ling, Hong Li Vian, Lee Lin Hui, Lieu Xue Qi and Fong Kah Yan. The
group members are in team work and we had a leader to guide us on what we need to do. Our
assignment topic is “Water Treatment for Domestic Water Supplies”. We distribute the task
evenly and we started our work after the first meeting. In this assignment, we had gained a lot of
knowledge about the water supplies.
To obtain a clean, clear and safe water to drink and use, it is not easy. The raw water must go
through several steps and processes to ensure that the water is safe to drink and use. Other
than that, in completing this assignment we are now able to know how the water treatment
process is carried out, the importance of water supplies and the device and system used for
water treatment. Apart from that, we get to know more detail about Syarikat Bekalan Air
Selangor Sdn. Bhd. (SYABAS). From this case study, we know the history of SYABAS,
management system of SYABAS and of course the water quality and responsibility of SYABAS.
We know that water is not easily to obtain so we will have to treasure on the water supply.
In this assignment, we had developed quite number of skills in completing it. First of all, we had
gained improvement in our communication skill. We discussed our ideas with our group mates,
because communication help us to express our thoughts. Moreover, we had learnt to
understand each of the group mates through their communication and this can strengthen our
team work in completing the assignment. Having the communication skills, we could face fewer
difficulties to speak out confidently during upcoming interviews or presentation.
Through discussion, we also able to develop thinking and problem solving skills. When one of
the members expressed an idea, we can also tried to think and make better solution,
recommendations or even improvements. Problems could occur everywhere. So thinking and
problem solving skills is very important to help us detect its source and ways to resolve it
effectively.
On the other hand, this is the most important skill in completing this assignment. We had
developed the discipline and specific knowledge skills. We are able to put theories into practice.
People said “practice makes perfect” and in this assignment, it is a challenge for us in the
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beginning, but we took it as a practice for us to gain more knowledge in this “Building Services
1” subject.
In addition, we had also developed intrapersonal skills. In competing this assignment, we had
learnt different moral value from each of the members such as patient, team work, hard-working
and problem solving. These will be a useful skills for us in the future to become a qualified
Quantity Surveyor. In our life, we can use these skill to solve many problems in our study or
even working fields.
Last but not least, we had gained interpersonal skills. We learnt to work with different types of
people, we tried to adapt, tolerate, accommodate and care about each other when working with
them to ensure that this assignment can go well and everyone can works well together in a
team. In conclusion, there are more benefits in a group assignment than individual.
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Groundwater.htm
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13. Minimum Cost Housing Group, McGill University (2016). Retrieved from
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14. Rainwater Cisterns: Design, Construction, and Water Treatment, Penn State College of
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contaminated-water-affect-our-health/
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0001
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